Legendary boxers Vitaly and Vladimir Klitschko promise to fight for Ukraine amid Russian invasion … while former heavyweight champions call for an end to the “senseless war”
- Vitali Klitschko vowed to fight for Ukraine with his brother Vladimir
- Both are former heavyweight champions, and Vitaly is now mayor of Kiev
- The brothers posted an emotional message calling for an end to the “senseless war”
Legendary boxers and brothers Vitaly and Vladimir Klitschko have vowed to fight for Ukraine against the background of the ongoing Russian invasion.
The former heavyweight champions, along with Vitaly, now mayor of Kiev, have sent an emotional request to end the “senseless war” as their country continues to be attacked by Vladimir Putin.
As mayor of the Ukrainian capital, Vitaly declared a state of emergency in the Ukrainian capital, which is now under martial law.
Brothers Vitali and Vladimir Klitschko made an emotional request to end the “senseless war”
Vitali Klitschko is now mayor of Kiev after a successful heavyweight boxing career
The couple released a joint video message in Russian, Ukrainian and English on Thursday.
In the video, Wladimir Klitschko said: “I call on all international partners to watch this tragedy, which is happening in Ukraine today.
“And this senseless war, which will not have winners, but losers.
“I just want to tell you that we must remain united against this aggression, against Russian aggression.
“Do not allow this to continue to happen in Ukraine, do not allow this to happen in Europe and possibly in the world.
“United, we are strong, support Ukraine, thank you.”
Vitali Klitschko became mayor in 2014, as well as head of the city state administration in Kiev
Amid the ongoing invasion, Ukraine’s border agency has banned men between the ages of 18 and 60 from leaving the country. The agency says the measure is aimed at “ensuring Ukraine’s defense and organizing timely mobilization”.
The temporary ban will remain in force during the martial law announced on Thursday morning.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has just signed a decree on general mobilization. All Ukrainians who can bear arms are called to defend their homeland.
Soldiers and reservists from the country are also being called up, according to the decree, which is in force for 90 days.
Vitali Klitschko became mayor in 2014, as well as head of the city state administration in Kiev.
His brother, Vladimir, enlisted in Ukraine’s reserve army in Kiev earlier this month as the country prepared for an attack.