Picture Credit: X
Olekasandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion from Ukraine, got detained by law enforcement at the Krakow Airport in Poland. After being briefly held up in custody in the Central European country, the 37-year-old was released after the involvement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who remarked that he spoke with Oleksandr Usyk on the phone after being detained, f ollowing which he instructed a couple of ministers of his cabinet to immediately look into the details of the incident.
As per reports in the media, there is no clear reason given by anyone about why Oleksandr Usyk, who is one of the most sought-after boxers in the world, got detained at the Krakow Airport in Poland on Tuesday, September 17. But it could be connected to his aid efforts through various projects for Ukraine in their war with neighbouring country, Russia over the past couple of years.
I spoke with Oleksandr Usyk on the phone after he was detained: Volodymyr Zelenskyy
In a post on his official X account, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, was not happy with Poland about their attitude towards their citizen, Oleksandr Usyk before confirming his release from custody. He also shared a photo of Oleksandr Usyk with the Ukraine's Consul General in Krakow, and wrote, “I spoke with Oleksandr Usyk on the phone after he was detained. I was disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.”
“I instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, to immediately look into all the details of the incident at Kraków airport. Now, everything is fine, our champion has been released, and he is no longer being detained,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.
Oleksandr Usyk also took to his X account to address the incident, revealing that he was detained by the law enforcement officials in Poland due to a misunderstanding. He wrote, “Dear Friends. A misunderstanding took place. It was quickly resolved. Thanks to all who got concerned. Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats for the efficient support. And respect to Polish Police for conducting their obligations with no regards to height, weight, reach and regalia.”
