'We'll Win Only Together': Usyk Addresses Ukrainians — Message Resonates Even in Occupied Territories
Oleksandr Usyk on Instagram wished Ukrainians a Happy New Year 2026 and stressed that victory depends on unity. That message is reinforced by New Year’s greetings from the temporarily occupied territories published by the Center for National Resistance — a signal that should be read not only emotionally but also strategically.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
January 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Usyk’s Address: Unity as a Condition for Victory
Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk congratulated compatriots on the New Year 2026 on Instagram, UNN reports. In his address he stressed that victory is possible only with unity — when citizens look in the same direction and do not judge one another.
“Dear people of Ukraine, I want to congratulate you on the New Year, wish you health, and victory to us all. We will win only when we are united, when we look in one direction, when we do not condemn other people. We will win only when we understand that no one but us will help us. Even if someone promises to do it, no one will do it just like that. We must know that it is only our task to win and to build our country the way we want.”
— Oleksandr Usyk, Ukrainian boxer
Usyk also thanked soldiers, teachers, and doctors for their work — a message aimed not only at emotional support but also at recognizing the roles that keep the country standing during the war, UNN reports.
Messages from Temporarily Occupied Territories
At the same time, the Center for National Resistance published New Year greetings from residents of captured cities. People from occupied territories conveyed words of support and festive wishes, which serve as significant social proof: even under enemy control, many Ukrainians remain loyal to their country.
Why This Matters
Such addresses are not just words. First, they bolster public morale, which is important for resilience at the front and on the home front. Second, when public figures and residents of occupied territories speak with one voice, it makes attempts by enemy propaganda to divide society more difficult. Analysts emphasize: unity does not replace policy or resources, but it enhances their effectiveness.
What’s Next?
Usyk’s message and the greetings from occupied territories signal a societal demand for consolidation. The next step is to turn that demand into concrete actions: supporting the army, volunteering, and backing educational and medical initiatives. Whether this unity can be preserved and strengthened in 2026 depends on each of us.
