Usyk: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra proves the antiquity of the Ukrainian nation

Oleksandr Usyk at the Lavra. Photo: Oleksandr Usyk's Instagram

On June 10, 2026, at the America's Adversaries: The Russia Reality summit in Washington, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk said that the history and antiquity of the Ukrainian people are confirmed by the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Reflecting on attempts to destroy Ukrainian culture, the world champion recalled that “Kyiv is Kyivan Rus,” and that in 988 Prince Vladimir baptized Rus after receiving the faith from Byzantium.

“For how long have we carried this tradition? The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra still stands. What further proof is needed that Ukraine is an ancient family and nation that has lived on this land for thousands of years?” the boxer asked.

Commenting on the war in Ukraine, Usyk said that “the Lord helps those who do not seek what belongs to others, but defend what is their own and are content with what they have. One of the commandments says: ‘Do not covet your neighbor’s house.’”

It should be recalled that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has been at the center of an ongoing dispute between the authorities and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Monks have been evicted from parts of the monastery, while some churches have been transferred to the OCU.

In 2018, Usyk stated that if attempts were made to seize the Lavra, he would stand with the monks, though he has not publicly expressed support for them in recent years.

As UOJ previously reported, in early 2023 Usyk said that he remained faithful to the UOC and to Metropolitan Onuphry.

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