Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk recently visited Estonia, where he met with the local boxing community to discuss development plans for the sport. Usyk arrived in Tallinn at the invitation of the Kalev Sports Club, where he highlighted the significance of fostering connections through sports. He expressed his awareness of many Ukrainian athletes who had fled their country due to the ongoing war and are now able to train in Estonia. This situation reflects the broader theme of how sports can facilitate support and solidarity among people affected by conflict.

In his comments to the local media, Usyk praised the Estonian community for their hospitality and willingness to help Ukrainian athletes. He shared stories of his friends in Estonia and conveyed admiration for the way people can come together through sports to mutually support one another. This visit not only serves to strengthen the bond between Ukrainian and Estonian sports communities but also demonstrates how international sport can play a vital role in aiding those impacted by war and displacement.

In addition to discussing the fostering of athletic talent, Usyk also addressed recent controversies, including the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision that influenced Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych. Heraskevych faced sanctions for attempting to commemorate victims of the war during the upcoming Milano Cortina games. Usyk expressed admiration for Heraskevych's courage, emphasizing the importance of moral conviction in sports and noting that such sacrifices highlight the resilience and character of Ukrainian athletes in challenging times.