August M
The fate of private property in occupied Crimea has again drawn attention after local authorities announced measures against a prominent Ukrainian public figure. The move highlights how political loyalty is being enforced in the territory nearly a decade after its annexation.
At the center of the latest case is one of Ukraine’s most recognizable athletes, whose international career has unfolded alongside the war at home.
According to TVP World, the Russian-installed administration in occupied Crimea said it had taken control of property belonging to Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Oleksandr Usyk, citing his public condemnation of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Oleksandr Usyk is regarded as one of the most accomplished boxers of the four-belt era. He is the only male fighter to achieve undisputed champion status three times across two weight divisions, at cruiserweight in 2018 and at heavyweight in 2024 and 2025. He remains undefeated with a professional record of 24–0.
Crimean roots
According to TVP World, Usyk has long-standing personal ties to Crimea. He was born in Simferopol and spent much of his childhood on the peninsula, where he later began his boxing career.
He rose to prominence as an Olympic champion before becoming a dominant figure in professional boxing. After Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Usyk continued to live there for a period.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Usyk has openly condemned the war and has been involved in humanitarian and volunteer efforts supporting Ukraine and its military.
Occupation authorities speak
Konstantinov accused the boxer of supporting what he described as “Nazi ideology.” He alleged that Usyk had criticized Russia’s so-called “special military operation” and had helped raise funds for Ukraine’s armed forces.
The remarks were published on Konstantinov’s Telegram channel on Tuesday. He added that occupation officials were continuing efforts to identify people they consider “hostile” or engaged in “unfriendly acts,” reports TVP World.
Wider campaign
Konstantinov said these efforts could result in further property seizures, not only against individuals but also against those connected to them. The statements suggest an expanding approach to asset confiscation in occupied Crimea.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly rejected such actions as illegal. Kyiv has said that property seizures carried out by Russian-installed administrations have no legal standing under international law.
Ukraine has described the measures as part of a broader campaign of pressure and repression against Ukrainian citizens living in occupied territories, notes TVP World.
Sources: TVP World
