Fight for light: Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk and DTEK draw global attention to russian energy attacks ahead of boxing clash

Boxer Oleksandr Usyk is again fighting to keep the lights on across Ukraine this winter by focusing global attention on the devastating impact of russian attacks against its energy system, as he prepares to defend his world heavyweight title in Riyadh on Saturday 21st December. 

DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, is partnering Usyk in its #FightForLight campaign to focus international attention on the critical state of Ukraine's energy system and to appeal for the urgent delivery of replacement equipment for all Ukrainian energy companies and ammunition for air defense systems.

So far this year 2024, russia has destroyed or damaged over 90% of DTEK’s thermal generation capacity, 45% of hydroelectric station capacities, and hundreds of critically important energy infrastructure facilities across the country.

Usyk faces Britain’s Tyson Fury in a rematch of their historic 18^th May fight, which Usyk won after a devastating display of counter-attacking boxing, becoming the first Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World in 24 years.

Commenting on the campaign, Oleksandr Usyk said: “Every day, Ukraine’s energy system suffers from brutal russian attacks. Air defence forces, rescuers, and energy workers are making heroic efforts to ensure Ukrainians have light and warmth in their homes. Let's support them and remember that we will get through this together.  We are the light – Ukrainians who shine for the whole world.”

Another 30 veterans will again be supporting Usyk during his fight – repeating a similar journey to the Saudi capital by other veterans in May, who also returned to work at DTEK after servicing with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said: “DTEK is doing everything in its power to draw the attention of the international community to the destruction inflicted on energy infrastructure by the enemy and the urgent need to rebuild and protect it from future attacks. We are sincerely grateful to Oleksandr Usyk and his team for their support of these efforts and their willingness to help Ukrainian energy workers amplify our voice. Our common goal is to ensure the stable operation of Ukraine’s energy system during wartime so that every family in Ukraine has light and warmth".