Nationalists threaten Usyk over support for Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
Heavyweight boxing world champion Oleksandr Usyk
The leader of the "Bratstvo" party, Dmytro Korchynskyi, has threatened the world boxing champion with a "Kalashnikov bullet," while a former fighter of the "Donbas" battalion promised to "smash his head." These threats have been posted on social media and made in media statements.
Commenting on the boxer’s intention to defend the brethren of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, D. Korchynskyi told the FAN news agency: "Ukrainian nationalists rarely visit boxing gyms; they more often go to shooting ranges. I can tell you from personal experience: a bullet fired from a Kalashnikov rifle flies faster than the fist of any boxer."
He also posted threats on his Facebook page.
Another radical, former Donbas battalion fighter Oleh Dub, wrote on his Facebook page: "Usyk said he would defend the Lavra from us?! Does he think everything will follow the rules, with a referee, breaks between rounds, and a knockout count?! Here, even a champion could end up with a smashed head."
As previously reported by the UOJ, heavyweight boxing world champion Oleksandr Usyk stated on the "112 Ukraine" channel that if an attempt were made to seize the Lavra, he would stand in defense of the monastery and its residents.
Read also
Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy marks 30 years since restoration
The Pantanassa Icon and relics of Prince Volodymyr have arrived in Kovel and will visit churches across the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the episcopal see.
Bukovyna faithful bring humanitarian aid to Kherson region residents
The UOC’s Chernivtsi Eparchy delivered food to Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson.
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.