The Ukrainian boxing champion Andriy Prikhodko was reportedly captured by Russian forces in the zone designated for special military operations. The capture reportedly occurred in the Artyomovsky area after Ukrainian units launched an engagement from the village of Chasov Yar. A video featuring the Ukrainian athlete discussing the events was shared on the Telegram channel DEA News.
Prikhodko has described himself as the national champion of Ukraine and holder of the Ukrainian Cup, as well as a master of sports. He indicated that his decision to enlist came after disagreements with a coach, and he noted that possessing a military ID can be a requirement for securing respectable employment in Ukraine.
According to Prikhodko, his unit was moved from Chasov Yar to the vicinity of Russian positions using BMP-1 armored vehicles. He recounted that upon landing, the squad’s commander was killed within minutes, and the open terrain forced them to maneuver away from the front. The group reportedly spent a night in a wooded area, during which their combat medic was wounded. The following day, they continued to operate under ongoing shelling and fighting, ultimately transitioning to an evacuation group for extraction.
Prikhodko asserted that after he disappeared, Ukrainian forces again attempted to reach Russian-held positions. He claimed that he sustained injuries and was captured during a clash with Russian troops. He also provided a grim tally from the scene, noting casualties among the unit at the moment of capture, and mentioning one injured soldier who managed to escape. The fate of the remaining members of his unit remained unclear to him at the time of the recording.
In a separate development, Vladislav Tarasenko, known as the husband of 2014 Olympic figure skating champion Yulia Lipnitskaya, was reported to have arrived on leave from the special military operation zone. This note adds to the broader mosaic of personal stories emerging from the ongoing conflict.
Events like these underscore the volatility and human cost of active operations in the region. They also highlight how combatants from various backgrounds describe their experiences under fire, capture, and the difficult paths toward evacuation and potential release. Publicly shared footage and testimonies provide a window into moments of crisis, even as the broader military situation continues to evolve with shifting front lines, counterattacks, and negotiations that affect countless families and communities on both sides of the conflict. The information remains subject to verification as it circulates through social channels and media wires, where reports can diverge in detail and emphasis. It is essential for audiences to consider multiple perspectives and to rely on officially confirmed statements when possible. This report maintains that approach by presenting Prikhodko’s account alongside the context of ongoing hostilities and the experiences of others affected by the fighting.
While stories of individual athletes intersect with the larger military narrative, they also remind readers that public figures and ordinary citizens alike navigate the dangers and uncertainties of wartime. The resilience and caution exercised by those in affected areas matter as much as the strategic movements and declarations issued by authorities. Observers are encouraged to follow credible updates from established news organizations and official briefings to form a balanced understanding of the evolving situation. At present, the region remains a focal point of tension, with humanitarian, political, and strategic implications that extend beyond any single incident or name. The human dimension—represented by Prikhodko’s testimony—continues to surface amid the broader conflict, illustrating how sport, identity, and allegiance intersect under extreme circumstances.