Former President of the Ukrainian Boxing Federation Volodymyr Prodyvus Continues Deal-Making with Kremlin Appointees

Former President of the Ukrainian Boxing Federation Volodymyr Prodyvus Continues Deal-Making with Kremlin Appointees

The notorious collaborator Volodymyr Prodyvus, who, according to current FBU president Kyrylo Shevchenko, left Ukraine as early as 24 February, continues to serve the “Russian world.”

Prodyvus took advantage of the fact that Russia started the war a day and a half after he was removed from the position of FBU president. The separatist did not hand over the federation’s seal and remained a signatory for the FBU. Since then Prodyvus has been blocking all decisions against the Russian Boxing Federation.

This week the heads of 9 national boxing federations appealed to the International Boxing Association (IBA) regarding a response to the Russian Boxing Federation’s (RBF) support for the invasion of Ukraine. The appeal asks attention to the federation’s open support for the war in Ukraine. In particular, on the organization’s social media they are helping collect so‑called humanitarian aid for residents of Donbas.

The presidents of the federations of the Netherlands, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland signed the appeal. There is no signature from the Ukrainian federation. That is because the work of the current FBU leadership is being blocked by Prodyvus. He is aided in this by IBA president Umar Kremlyov. The Russian supports Prodyvus and “did not notice” that the official who disgraced our country was removed from office as early as 22 February.

Moreover, the candidacy of the outright separatist Prodyvus has been nominated to the IBA board of directors thanks to Kremlyov. This arrangement was reached between Prodyvus and Kremlyov. At the IBA congress in Istanbul, which will be held on 13-14 May, Kremlyov will support Prodyvus. And Prodyvus supports Kremlyov, who, contrary to the IOC’s recommendation, is again running for the position of IBA president.

Recall that after Russia’s treacherous military attack on Ukraine, Russians cannot hold leadership positions in international sports federations. But Kremlyov, who is purely a Kremlin project, not only did not step down, he is running again in the new IBA elections. And this is happening with the silent support of Prodyvus.

In addition, Prodyvus is not signing the appeal to the IBA to punish the Russian Boxing Federation for its brazen support of the northern aggressor’s war in Ukraine. According to current FBU president Kyrylo Shevchenko, such insolent behavior by the notorious collaborator Prodyvus poses significant reputational risks for our country.

It is encouraging that Ukrainian special services have apparently taken an interest in Volodymyr Prodyvus’s activities. To be continued.