Oleksandr Usyk Opens Up About Being Shaped by Russian Disinformation
During a recent visit to the United States, heavyweight world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk confessed in a public conversation with New York Post reporter Caitlyn Dornbos that he had been under the sway of Russian propaganda. He revealed that for many years, he lived immersed in this propaganda, which he described as 'playing games with me' as well. This candid admission came as part of a broader discussion about his personal journey and the challenges of navigating conflicting narratives.
Usyk, who has spoken Russian since childhood, emphasized the complexity of his linguistic background:
“I am a person who communicated in Russian for most of my life”– Oleksandr Usyk. He now recognizes the profound role language plays in shaping identity:
“Now I understand that language is your identity, your weapon, and what makes you who you are”– Oleksandr Usyk. The champion noted that he grew up speaking both Russian and Ukrainian, having attended a Ukrainian-language school.
The Fight for Independence and Cultural Identity
In the interview, Usyk addressed critical issues surrounding Ukrainians' ongoing struggle for sovereignty and cultural preservation. He stated that 'Russia has for many years wanted to destroy the Ukrainian language, Ukrainian history, and Ukrainians.' Within this context, he stressed the importance of remembering historical roots: 'The most important thing we must remember is that Russia was founded by Ukraine. That is, Ukrainian princes and their children built Moscow.'
Usyk also shared his perspective on Ukraine's current situation: 'All of us Ukrainians who think clearly and have the education and upbringing know that we have been fighting our whole lives for our independence and against what others want to impose on us about how we should live.' During the interview, the boxer touched on the emotional toll of wartime existence: 'Sometimes I think we are sick when bombs fall all night, we sleep in a bomb shelter, and in the morning we go to training.'
His U.S. trip also included a meeting with President Donald Trump and a visit to the Pentagon, headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. Sharing his impressions on social media platform X, Usyk wrote:
“Visited the Pentagon for the first time. It’s hard to put the emotions into words—the scale is truly impressive!”These engagements underscore the significance of international support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
Usyk's remarks highlight the complex identity of Ukrainians living through an information war. His personal experience with Russian propaganda and his deepened awareness of cultural roots underscore the importance of the fight for independence and the preservation of Ukrainian language and history. The meetings with American political leaders during his visit also reflect growing international backing for Ukraine—a critical factor in the current war and the broader struggle for sovereignty.
During his time in the U.S., Usyk's interactions extended beyond media interviews, as he also had the opportunity to meet with prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump. This encounter highlights the boxer’s growing influence and the intersection of sports and politics, further emphasizing his role as a voice for Ukraine in the global arena. For more details on this significant meeting, check out Usyk's meeting with Trump in the United States.