Ukrainian-Nigerian dancer and choreographer Maxym “Max” Yezhov, a silver medalist on Ukraine’s Dancing with the Stars, has revealed how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine transformed him into a true patriot. In an exclusive August 2025 interview with Vanguard, Yezhov shared how the war, ongoing since February 2022, upended his life overnight, fueling his commitment to support Ukraine through volunteering and international advocacy. His story, rooted in personal loss and resilience, reflects the broader struggles of Ukrainians amid a conflict that has displaced millions, per the United Nations.
A Life Changed by War
Born in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, to a Ukrainian mother and Nigerian father, Yezhov was raised by his aunt and grandmother. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Yezhov’s world collapsed. “Everything disappeared in one day,” he told Vanguard, noting that his hard-earned career achievements, including dance titles, felt insignificant as Russian forces bombarded Kharkiv. His mother, a nurse, stayed to treat wounded civilians at a local hospital, while his grandmother reluctantly fled after relentless shelling destroyed essential services like water and heat. His uncle, fighting on the frontlines, narrowly escaped death multiple times, a stark reminder of the war’s toll, with over 700,000 Russian casualties reported by 2025.
Yezhov severed ties with Ukrainian colleagues who supported Russia, rejecting their stance amid Kremlin propaganda falsely claiming Ukraine’s government was neo-Nazi, per Wikipedia. “Titles and awards don’t matter when war rages,” he said, redirecting his energy to volunteerism.
Volunteering and Advocacy
Yezhov joined the Svitly Charitable Foundation and the Pechersk Volunteer Center, led by Svitlana Legka, to aid Ukraine’s war effort. Svitly supports children’s inclusive centers, kindergartens, hospices, and military personnel, organizing charity concerts and sports events to distribute aid. “I’ve never looked back,” Yezhov stated, committing to various initiatives nationwide. His work aligns with Ukraine’s resilience, as the country faces ongoing Russian drone and missile attacks, with 574 drones launched on August 20, 2025, per the Financial Times.
His international advocacy took center stage when he joined Georgia’s Dancing with the Stars alongside Ukrainian singer Olha Polyakova. Their performances, featuring Ukrainian flags, songs, and apparel, keep the war on the global stage. “This is how we remind the world of Ukraine’s fight,” Yezhov said, countering Russian disinformation that labels the invasion a “special military operation.”
A Personal Connection to Nigeria
Yezhov’s Nigerian heritage adds depth to his story. After 23 years of estrangement, he reconnected with his father’s family in Nigeria a few years ago. His father now advocates for peace in Ukraine, driven by his son’s safety and a desire to combat Russian propaganda. This resonates in Nigeria, where economic challenges like 52.2% inflation and a naira at ₦450 to the US dollar in 2023 highlight solidarity with Ukraine’s struggles.
Resilience Amid Loss
The war cost Yezhov his job and projects, but his participation in Georgia’s Dancing with the Stars offered a silver lining. His performances honor Ukraine’s spirit, echoing the nation’s resistance against Russian advances, which control 20% of Ukrainian territory as of 2025. With his family enduring Kharkiv’s devastation—where civilian deaths surged in 2022, per Wikipedia—Yezhov’s patriotism drives his mission to support and represent Ukraine.
Looking Forward
Max Yezhov’s journey from dancer to patriot exemplifies Ukraine’s resilience. His volunteer work and global platform ensure the world remembers Russia’s atrocities, from civilian killings to infrastructure destruction. As peace talks falter, per The New York Times, Yezhov’s story inspires hope, blending Nigerian and Ukrainian heritage in a fight for justice.
