Belgian volleyball player Sem Deru is undergoing chemotherapy
Sem Deru, a 33-year-old Belgian volleyball player from the Russian club «Lokomotiv», is receiving treatment for oncology, reports the club's press service from the RF.
According to them, «After examination, cancer was discovered in Sem Deru, and he needs to undergo a course of chemotherapy».
Public life of the volleyball player
Deru has been playing for Russian clubs since 2019 and moved to the Novosibirsk «Lokomotiv» in 2025. Recently, his name appeared in the database of the website «Peacemaker», indicating his involvement in the crimes of the Russian authorities and support for the war.
In early October, Sem Deru participated in a meeting with participants of the Russian invasion of Ukraine who were injured and became disabled.
Propaganda events and public reaction
At the «Cup of Defenders of the Fatherland of the Novosibirsk Region», Russian athletes and servicemen participated in a propaganda event together with athlete Oleksandra Sayutina, known for her support of Putin.
Such events contradict the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee regarding the neutrality of athletes. It is worth noting that the Olympics-2026 will take place from February 6 to 22 in Italy.
We wish all journalists a speedy recovery for Sem Deru from oncology. We hope for positive changes in his condition and further successes in his sports career.