Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he is ready to enter politics in a few years and is only considering the position of president. Experts have assessed his possible chances in the election and identified key nuances.
Oleksandr Usyk announced his presidential ambitions in an interview with Andriy Bednyakov.
According to the boxer, he plans to devote several more years to his sports career and then intends to “work for the state.”
“I plan to box for a few more years. And then I have plans to work for the state. I’m not going to settle for anything less than president,” he said.
According to Telegraf UA, citing a February 2026 Ipsos survey, Valery Zaluzhny tops the trust rating with 63%. Alexander Usyk is in second place with 56%, Kirill Budanov is in third with 55%, and Volodymyr Zelensky is in fourth.
At the same time, according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology from January 9-14, 2026, Valery Zaluzhny (72%) and Kirill Budanov (70%) enjoy the highest level of trust. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi is trusted by 46% and distrusted by 40%. Usyk does not appear in this study.
Political scientist Viktor Nebozhenko believes that the athlete’s popularity, financial support, and external interests make such a scenario realistic. He noted that Russia may be interested in supporting popular public figures and that a party with advisors and significant funding could be formed around Usyk. According to the expert, Usyk could attract votes in central and eastern Ukraine and become a prominent player, although his presidency is unlikely to be long.
Political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko said that Usyk has no electoral chance of reaching the second round. According to him, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Valery Zaluzhny remain the favorites, followed by Kirill Budanov and Petro Poroshenko, while Usyk’s rating is 2-3%. Fesenko stressed that there is currently a demand for experienced leaders, not new faces, and that the athlete’s popularity does not equate to a willingness to vote for him.
Oleksiy Yakubin also emphasized the difference between trust ratings and electoral support. According to him, Usyk has a high level of recognition, but participation in the elections requires a team, an organizational structure, and clear positions on key issues—war, reconstruction, refugees, and the church. The expert noted that there are pre-start opportunities, but they do not guarantee a high result.