Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, met with Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, to discuss ways to strengthen Ukraine's voice on the global stage.
Usyk, fresh off his victory over British boxer Daniel Dubois in July, regained his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion. The boxer's recent success has put him in a unique position to help his country.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of having well-known Ukrainians join forces with politicians and diplomats. He said:
"Today we all strive to ensure that Ukraine's voice in the world is strong and influential. This is possible when legends of Ukraine, known in every corner of the planet, join the efforts of politicians and diplomats on the international stage."
The president called Usyk "one of Ukrainian legends," noting his status as the undisputed world champion who holds all world titles in his category.
The meeting focused on several key topics. They talked about boosting Ukraine's position globally, with a special focus on the United States. They also discussed ways to keep the world's attention on Russia's actions during the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky highlighted the courage shown by Ukrainians throughout more than 1,256 days of war. The president and the boxing champion also explored ideas to promote a healthy lifestyle among Ukrainian youth, including ways to support and motivate children through sports.
"We work together for Ukraine, for freedom, for peace," Zelensky stated, underlining the collaborative effort between the government and public figures like Usyk.
The president shared several photos of their meeting on his Telegram account, showing the two men in discussion.
This meeting shows how Ukraine is using all its resources, including sports stars, to maintain international support and attention during the ongoing conflict. It also highlights the role that public figures can play in diplomacy and national morale during challenging times.
