Usyk admitted that he had been under the influence of Russian propaganda for years
Ukrainian heavyweight boxing world champion Oleksandr Usyk said that for many years he was under the influence of Russian propaganda and only came to realize the importance of the Ukrainian language and national identity over time.
During a speech in the U.S., Usyk explained that for a long time he viewed the language issue through the lens of “what’s the difference,” since he had spoken both Ukrainian and Russian since childhood.
“I lived for many years under the influence of propaganda, and it played with me too. Basically, I thought, ‘What’s the difference? We understand each other anyway,’” the boxer noted.
According to Usyk, the full-scale war changed his perspective on this issue. He emphasized that language is part of a nation’s identity and a crucial element in the struggle for independence.
The athlete also stated that Russia has been trying for many years to destroy the Ukrainian language, culture, and history, while Ukrainians have been forced for centuries to defend their right to live as they see fit.
Separately, Usyk shared his impressions of life during the war, noting that even after nighttime shelling, Ukrainians continue to work, study, and go about their daily lives.
Source: Independent Women.
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