{"id":1406462,"date":"2026-06-17T14:08:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T11:08:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prm.ua\/the-events-in-armenia-are-a-natural-process-of-the-final-collapse-of-the-russian-empire-says-yuriy-lutsenko\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T14:09:36","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T11:09:36","slug":"the-events-in-armenia-are-a-natural-process-of-the-final-collapse-of-the-russian-empire-says-yuriy-lutsenko","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prm.ua\/en\/the-events-in-armenia-are-a-natural-process-of-the-final-collapse-of-the-russian-empire-says-yuriy-lutsenko\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cThe events in Armenia are a natural process of the final collapse of the Russian Empire,\u201d says Yuriy Lutsenko"},"content":{"rendered":"

World-renowned Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk unexpectedly met with US President Donald Trump. Why did he do this, will it help Ukraine improve relations with the US, and who is really funding his ambitious political career? What do recent events in Armenia mean? Renowned Ukrainian politician Yuriy Lutsenko discussed this in an interview with The Week featuring Peter Zalmaev.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Host: Greetings, friends! Today with us is Yuriy Lutsenko. Mr. Yuriy, greetings.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yuriy Lutsenko: Greetings, Peter. Greetings to all viewers.<\/p>\n

Host: Let’s start with the Ukrainian context. A photo of our boxing champion, Oleksandr Usyk, meeting with Donald Trump has been making the rounds. The boxer’s possible political ambitions are currently being actively discussed. Numerous conspiracy theories have emerged: some say it’s a plot hatched by Ukrainian oligarchs, specifically Lyovochkin; others say the Presidential Office is panicking over the emergence of a new competitor. Political scientist Vadym Denisenko concludes that Usyk has begun his political game, and the likelihood of his participation in the upcoming elections is quite high. Do you agree with these conclusions?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yuriy Lutsenko<\/strong> : It’s no secret that Oleksandr Usyk has long declared his presidential ambitions\u2014presidential, that is, and he has no intention of lowering the bar. Few believed it before, but after his meeting with Trump, everyone will. This photograph was intended precisely for that purpose: Usyk’s determined boxing stance and Trump’s somewhat reserved posture demonstrate the athlete’s seriousness in running for president of Ukraine.<\/p>\n

Does he have the electoral base for this? Yes. A niche of the so-called pro-Russian electorate (around 20%) has vacated in Ukraine. Under the influence of Russian bombs and missiles, these people have changed their views. They no longer like Putin and Russia, but want to maintain ties to Russian culture and the church. The Cossack image of a champion, bolstered by the financial support of big businesses like ATB, is ideal for this segment. Therefore, the greatest concern is in the Presidential Office and the remnants of the Opposition Platform \u2013 For Life, which is also counting on these votes. Personally, I don’t see any chance for Usyk to become president, but his ability to draw votes from pro-Russian forces will only benefit Ukraine.<\/p>\n

Host: Is there any practical benefit for Ukraine from this meeting? We see that Trump has no time for us right now: he’s focused on domestic issues and the Middle East standoff. His approval ratings are falling ahead of the midterm congressional elections. Could Usyk somehow influence Trump, given the latter’s fondness for successful athletes and stocky men?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yuriy Lutsenko:<\/strong> I don’t think the state will benefit from this. It’s a one-sided meeting. Trump genuinely loves world champions; he’s friends with Klitschko, and now he’ll be communicating with Usyk as well. On the other hand, with this visit, Usyk is demonstrating to Ukrainians his Western orientation and his lack of ties to Moscow. However, this contact won’t provide any practical assistance to Ukraine.<\/p>\n

In Washington, our country has almost completely disappeared from the political agenda of both parties. American politicians are focused on Trump’s Iranian adventure, inflation, and the upcoming elections. When asked who they see as the future leader of Ukraine, they are genuinely surprised and ask, “Can you really have elections?” Americans are currently preoccupied exclusively with their own domestic politics, and Usyk’s visit won’t change that.<\/p>\n

Host: But let’s note that the US House of Representatives voted for a bill strengthening sanctions against Russia<\/a>, and even some Republicans went against the wishes of their leader, Donald Trump, by supporting it. Isn’t that a positive sign?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yuriy Lutsenko:<\/strong> This document has been under consideration in Congress for several years now, dating back to the height of enthusiasm for aid to Ukraine. Unfortunately, the Republicans have blocked it for a long time, and only now have the necessary votes been found. However, I doubt it will be fully reviewed and that Trump will sign it.<\/p>\n

The majority in Congress still supports Ukraine, but this is only sporadic. Both parties are focused on confronting Iran and combating inflation, which is hurting American voters. Ukraine has a small chance of returning to the US agenda after the NATO summit in Switzerland if Washington supports the European security plan outlined during Zelenskyy’s meeting with the leaders of the European “troika.” However, raising the Ukrainian issue on the eve of the elections is unfavorable for both American parties, as it offers no political gains. Furthermore, this bill still needs to be voted on in the Senate, where party discipline is much stricter.<\/p>\n