On London's streets, Usyk brings Ukraine's war back into focus (see pics)
Oleksandr Usyk in London (Photo: ROZETKA)
Heavyweight world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, together with Sir Richard Branson, unveiled the mosaic "Boryviter" in Trafalgar Square, London. Here's what is known about the event and what makes the mosaic's story so special.
How Usyk reminded the world of the war in London and what Boryviter is about
The original mosaic was created by monumental artists under the direction of prominent Ukrainian artist Alla Horska. It was completed in the summer of 1967 in Mariupol. Three years later, one of the leaders of the Sixtiers movement was killed by Soviet secret services. In 2022, the mosaic suffered serious damage during Russia's full-scale invasion.
"To draw the world's attention to Ukrainian culture, Ukraine's largest marketplace ROZETKA, the NGO UKRAINE WOW, and the Alla Horska & Viktor Zaretsky Foundation recreated the mosaic with meticulous accuracy. It was first presented in Kyiv. London is the first European capital to host the mosaic as part of its tour," ROZETKA's press service reported.
Boryviter in London (Photo: ROZETKA)
The event was supported by the Oleksandr Usyk Foundation, British-Ukrainian Aid, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the UK Parliament, and London's City Hall. It took place just before Usyk's fight with Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
"Thank you, Great Britain, for supporting Ukraine. We are strong together! Russia is destroying Ukrainian culture. Russia is destroying our homes, hospitals, and schools. Russia is destroying the lives of Ukrainians. But we will endure. We will win. We will rebuild our country—like this mosaic—fragment by fragment. Today, we are raising funds so that 64 families can once again have a home. Join us!" Usyk said during the mosaic's unveiling.
The project was presented in Trafalgar Square with support from Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group and Virgin Unite.
Usyk unveils the Boryviter mosaic in London (Photo: ROZETKA)
"The people of Ukraine are defending much more than their sovereignty and national identity. Their struggle is also for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. It's important to recognize the ongoing sacrifice Ukrainians are making, and to support their efforts in restoring their culture, homes, and lives," said Branson.
Co-founder of ROZETKA, Vladyslav Chechetkin, also spoke about the symbolism behind the initiative.
"We believe Boryviter will surprise, inspire, and offer hope that all that's been lost can be restored. It will become the voice of Ukrainian art both at home and abroad. Boryviter is a free and proud falcon. No one embodies it better than our champion, Oleksandr Usyk," Chechetkin emphasized.
Yaroslava Hres, co-founder of UKRAINE WOW, noted that the fate of the original Boryviter mosaic in Mariupol is still unknown. It remains hidden inside a building that is now fenced off.
Yaroslava Hres (Photo: ROZETKA)
"But we know that one day we'll be able to restore it. And for now, an exact replica of Boryviter begins its journey here, in the very heart of London. Could Alla Horska ever have imagined that Boryviter would stand in Trafalgar Square, be applauded by people from around the world, and become a symbol of Ukrainian freedom and willpower? I think she is smiling down on us now," said Hres.
Also attending the mosaic's unveiling were Justine Simons, London's Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, and Alex Sobel, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine and a UK Member of Parliament.
