Usik thanked UEFA president Ceferin for supporting Ukraine after meeting in Split

Ukrainian boxer Alexander Usik, the former undisputed world champion, publicly expressed his gratitude to UEFA president Alexander Ceferin for his unwavering support of Ukraine. This was reported by Sport RBC.UA, citing Alexander Usik's personal post on X (Twitter). The boxer published a joint photo with the head of the European football union, accompanied by words of appreciation for his "continuing support of Ukraine."

Words of gratitude and Usik's stance

In his message, Usik emphasized that he values people who "do not stand on the sidelines" during the war. "Alexander Ceferin, thank you for your support of Ukraine, for your clear position, and for continuing to stand side by side with Ukraine. It matters," the boxer wrote. In doing so, the athlete publicly recorded his assessment of the position of one of the key figures in European sports, who in recent years has repeatedly made statements in support of Kyiv.

Context of the meeting: the "Plasma" youth games in Split

The meeting between Alexander Usik and Alexander Ceferin took place against the backdrop of the "Plasma" Youth Sports Games, which have been held in Split, Croatia, since 1996. According to the organizers, this is the largest amateur sports project in Europe, designed for children and young people aged 6 to 18. The presence of such figures as the UEFA president and one of the most decorated Ukrainian boxers significantly boosted the media resonance of the tournament.

Star guests and the traditional chess match

Among the other honored guests at the competition, according to the source, were well-known footballers and coaches: Dario Srna, Nemanja Vidic, Slaven Bilic, Pavel Nedved, Claude Makélélé, David James, Mario Mandzukic, and others. In addition, a traditional chess match was held as part of the tournament, in which this year Ukrainian grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk and English grandmaster Nigel Short took part.

The significance of the gesture in a broader context

Usik's public thanks to Ceferin fits into the broader context of support for Ukraine by international sports figures amid the ongoing conflict. For the boxer himself, who in the recent past also made loud statements about the war and even discussed the possibility of participating in the country's political life, such gestures become part of his public stance. The meeting in Split, therefore, was not merely a protocol event, but an occasion to openly express gratitude for solidarity with Ukraine.