Former Boxing Champion Klitschko Brothers To Fight For Ukraine

Former boxing champions Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko are preparing for the fight of their lives, as the former enlisted in the Ukrainian reserve army three weeks prior to Thursday’s Russian invasion and the other brother—the mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine—said this week he’d also take up arms.

“I’m calling to all international partners to observe this tragedy that is happening nowadays in Ukraine,” Wladimir said. “I just want to tell you we must stay united against this aggression, against Russian aggression. Don’t let it continue happening in Ukraine. Don’t let it happen in Europe and eventually the world. United we’re strong. Support Ukraine.”

Also Thursday, Vitali said he was ready to fight in what’s “already a bloody war,” and added, “I don’t have another choice” but to take up arms against Russian invaders.

Russia invaded Ukraine early Thursday in what President Vladimir Putin said was a “special military operation.” Putin said he intended to “demilitarize” the country, as opposed to occupying it.

Two hours after Vitali’s announcement, his brother chimed in with a tweet: “The world is watching how reckless and deadly imperialism is, not just for #Ukraine but the whole world. Let history be a lesson to not be repeated.”