Ukraine to Send Diplomatic Note
POLAND, Sept 18: Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk was briefly detained at Krakow airport in Poland before being released, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday. The incident occurred after an airline refused to allow Usyk’s traveling companion to board a flight, leading to a protest at the airport gate.
“I was disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion,” Zelenskyy said after a phone conversation with Usyk. “Our champion has been released, and he is no longer being detained.” He also posted a photo of Usyk alongside Ukraine’s Consul General in Krakow following his release.
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The 37-year-old boxer, one of Ukraine’s most internationally recognized athletes, expressed his gratitude for the swift intervention of Ukrainian diplomats. “A misunderstanding took place. It was quickly resolved,” Usyk wrote on Instagram. He also praised the Polish police for handling the situation professionally, regardless of his status as a champion.
The incident began when Usyk’s companion was denied boarding by the airline. The two refused to leave the gate, prompting airport authorities to intervene. Usyk was briefly handcuffed and taken to the airport’s police station. “The two men had their journey canceled by the carrier and had their passenger status revoked,” said Maj. Jacek Michalowski, a spokesperson for the Krakow Border Guards. “They did not comply with requests to leave the gate, so we were called in to manage the situation.”
Ukraine’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, condemned the incident, calling it disproportionate and unacceptable. He announced plans to send a formal diplomatic note to Poland over the matter.
Usyk, an Olympic gold medalist in 2012, has a storied career in boxing, beginning as a cruiserweight champion before moving up to the heavyweight division. He became the undisputed world heavyweight champion in May 2023 after defeating Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. However, Usyk later vacated his heavyweight belts, with a rematch against Fury scheduled for December 21, 2024, also in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to his boxing accomplishments, Usyk has been actively involved in supporting Ukraine’s efforts to resist Russia’s invasion, participating in numerous projects to aid his country during the ongoing conflict. (AP)
