Former heavyweight champion boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko announced Thursday that they would be taking up arms to help defend Ukraine from Russian invasion.
The pair issued a joint statement on social media encouraging others to help repel Putin’s troops:
Vitali is actually also the mayor of Kyiv which is Ukraine’s capital city, a post he’s held since 2014. The older of the brothers, Vitali has been an outspoken critic of Putin in recent years and has actively protested against closer ties with Russia in the past. In a recent interview with Good Morning Britain, the former world champion said “I don’t have another choice” when asked about the impending conflict:
Wladimir had already enrolled in the reserves in his home country earlier this month as it became clear that hostilities could escalate at any moment.
Russia invaded Ukraine early Thursday morning, though president Vladimir Putin described the act as a “special military operation”. The Klitschko brothers were quick to point out that there will be no winners in this conflict, only losers, and that the fighting has already turned bloody.
“He makes it clear that he wants to destroy the Ukrainian state and the sovereignty of its people,” the younger Klitschko wrote. “Words are followed by missiles and tanks. Destruction and death come upon us. That’s it, blood will mix with tears.”
Both brothers are members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Vitali Klitschko retired with a 45-2 record, while Wladimir Klitschko finished his career 64-5.