On the long-awaited statements by Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk. Photo: open sources

Legendary boxer Oleksandr Usyk in a conversation with "Polish President Karol Nawrocki" voiced a number of statements in which we recognize the "former" Usyk, who previously always said what he thought.

He clearly and unambiguously spoke out against the authorities' persecution of the UOC: "This is a problem because I myself am Orthodox. This is a blow to our people. You cannot divide people. We ourselves divide people into two camps. Don't touch people. We should work together, not divide."

Usyk also criticized the authorities' heroization of nationalists, emphasizing that he initially even refused to meet with Zelensky because of this:

"When I directly asked him what he intended to do about it, he replied: 'Bandera is our hero.' This creates a very difficult situation in our countries. Bandera is not my hero. For me, heroes are my father, my mother, people who are now supporting my country." Additionally, Usyk distanced himself from Zelensky, stating that he does not consider him his friend (unlike Nawrocki).

Unfortunately for Oleksandr, his revelations were voiced not to the President of Poland, but to Russian pranksters acting on his behalf. But what does this change? In the conversation, Usyk clearly said what he thought. And here the question arises – why does he voice his thoughts not in public speeches, but in private conversations, so to speak – secretly?

Boxing is not a sport for cowards. To go into the ring against people whose single punch can disable you requires serious courage. And the world champion among super heavyweights simply cannot lack such courage.

Then why doesn't Oleksandr publicly support the Church at a time when it desperately needs this support, and, on the contrary – supports those who persecute it? Why does he defend Maliuk, who organized the harassment of the UOC, and remain silent when the authorities seize the Lavra or slowly kill Metropolitan Arseny behind bars?

Why does he finance the Shukhevych Museum if he is against the heroization of nationalists? If he doesn't consider Zelensky a friend, why does he give him belts?

We don't believe that Usyk acts this way because he fears the current authorities. Apparently, he has considerations of political expediency. Not coincidentally, in this same conversation Oleksandr stated that he is ready to become president.

But who does he now see as his voters? Nationalists and admirers of Shukhevych? Maliuk and other SBU employees? Or perhaps, after all, millions of UOC believers? Some time ago they would have definitely supported him. But now – that's a big question.

The Apostle James wrote in his epistle: "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." Perhaps, in such a situation, it could not be said more precisely.

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