World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has challenged U.S. President Donald Trump to spend a week living in his home in war-torn Ukraine to better understand the devastating effects of Russia’s invasion.
The 38-year-old Ukrainian boxer made the bold invitation during an interview with BBC Sport on Sunday, expressing frustration over Trump’s repeated claims that he could end the war in 24 hours if given the chance.
“I advise American President Donald Trump to come to Ukraine and live in my house for one week,” Usyk said. “Only one week. I will give him my house. Live please in Ukraine and watch what is going on every night.”
Usyk, who holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO world heavyweight titles, said life in Ukraine remains extremely dangerous, with bombings and airstrikes continuing almost daily.
“Every night there are bombs and flights above my house. Bombs, rocket. Every night. It’s enough,” he said, visibly emotional.
The heavyweight champion, who recently defeated Tyson Fury to become the undisputed champion, has been a vocal advocate for peace and a passionate defender of Ukraine since the war began in 2022. Despite his international success, he has consistently used his platform to raise awareness of the human suffering in his country.
Trump, who returned to the White House in January 2024 after defeating incumbent Joe Biden in a closely contested election, has repeatedly claimed that he could broker peace between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours. However, since his return to office, the war has continued, with little visible progress in peace efforts.
In February, Trump held a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. The encounter was marked by disagreements, and Trump reportedly told Zelensky to show “more gratitude” for American support before abruptly ending the meeting.
Asked whether he believed Trump could be persuaded to change his stance, Usyk responded with uncertainty: “I don’t know. Maybe he’ll understand, maybe he won’t.”
Despite his busy training schedule for an upcoming title defence against IBF champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley on July 19, Usyk said the war is always on his mind.
“I worry about what happens in my country. It’s very bad because Ukrainian people have died,” he said. “It’s not just military people—children, women, grandmothers and grandfathers, too.”
Usyk’s comments have sparked widespread reactions across global media, with many praising him for using his fame to highlight the ongoing suffering in Ukraine. His challenge to Trump underscores the growing divide between political rhetoric and the lived reality of those enduring the war daily.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has displaced millions and led to tens of thousands of deaths. Despite sanctions, international pressure, and waves of diplomatic efforts, the war shows no signs of ending soon.
Trump’s critics have often accused him of lacking a clear strategy on the Ukraine crisis, while his supporters continue to back his claims of being able to broker peace quickly. Usyk’s direct appeal, however, has added a personal and emotional perspective to the global conversation.
For many in Ukraine, Usyk represents more than just a sports figure. His resilience, discipline, and open patriotism have turned him into a national symbol of hope and resistance. This latest message further cements his role as both an athlete and a humanitarian voice for his homeland.
As the world watches the build-up to his next fight in London, Usyk remains focused not only on defending his titles but also on defending the truth about the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
“Boxing is important,” he said, “but peace in my country is more important.”
