Donald Trump has been called out by world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk to use his “influence over Putin” to help his home country of Ukraine.
The former US president is due to appear on Joe Rogan’s podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience, on Friday (October 25), which prompted Usyk to take a break from promoting his rematch with Tyson Fury and request a question to be asked to Trump. However, the episode will be filmed tomorrow but it is unknown when it will be released online and whether the world class boxer’s question will be asked .
Usyk, who spent time himself on the frontlines during Russia’s invasion, asked if Trump could help free Ukraine from Russian captivity “right away” by using his “influence” over President Putin.
The world heavyweight boxing champ also asked for the Azovstal Defenders, who were captured while fighting Russia in Mariupol., to be freed.
Usyk wrote on X: “Dear @joerogan, could you ask @realDonaldTrump when he’ll appear on your podcast: if Mr. President is so confident in his influence over Putin, could he help #FreeAzovstalDefenders and all Ukrainians from Russian captivity right away? Time is of the essence. Sincerely, Oleksandr”
Back in May 2023, Trump said he could settle the war between Russia and Ukraine in one day if his run for presidency is successful.
At the CNN town hall, Trump said: “They’re dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I’ll have that done — I’ll have that done in 24 hours.”
Then last month after a meeting with Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump dounled down saying the war would end “very quickly” with him in charge
Trump said: “We have a very good relationship, and I also have a very good relationship, as you know, with President Putin,”
“And I think if we win, I think we’re going to get it resolved very quickly … I really think we’re going to get it … but, you know, it takes two to tango.”
So far, Usyk has not had a response from either Rogan or Trump to his question.
Uysk, a father-of-three, spoke last year about his time on the frontlines. As reported by The Sun, He explained: “Through binoculars, from 900 metres, I saw my enemies running, exploding tanks and broken houses. I saw people with no legs and arms.
“I saw people walking but looking like they were dead. When I was going in the car around the city, I realised it was a dead city. I saw children’s toys and playgrounds but everything looked dead, there was no energy in the city.
“I realised that one day that place, on that ground, kids were playing. But now it is dead.”
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