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Ukrainian Boxer Usyk Urges Joe Rogan to Challenge Trump on Freeing Azovstal Defenders

Oct 25, 2024 11:41

1 min read

Authors: Maryna Kulakova
Author

Oleksandr Usyk looks on during the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO and Undisputed Heavyweight titles' fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk at Kingdom Arena on May 18, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Source: Getty Images)

On October 25, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has reached out to American podcaster Joe Rogan via Twitter regarding his upcoming episode with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Usyk urged Trump to leverage his influence over Russian leader Vladimir Putin to secure the release of Azovstal defenders and other Ukrainians held captive.

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
— Oleksandr Usyk (@usykaa) October 24, 2024

The Azovstal defenders are Ukrainian soldiers from the Azov Brigade who held out in the Azovstal Steel Plant in Mariupol during the early stages of Russia's invasion in 2022. After weeks of intense fighting and encircled by Russian forces, they surrendered in May 2022 and were taken as prisoners of war. Their capture drew international attention, especially concerning the treatment of prisoners of war.

Earlier, representatives of the 12th Azov Brigade held meetings at the NATO headquarters dedicated to releasing the Ukrainian prisoners of war.