With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, former boxing champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko have spoken out about how they intend to help their home country.
Russian troops have forced an estimated 100,000 people to leave Ukraine as they've carried out air raids, sea attacks, and breaches on land over the last two days.
The Klitschko brothers are arguably two of the most famous Ukrainian sportspeople so their words will weigh on not only the local population but others around the world.
Vitali, the older of the two, has been involved in politics since the mid-2000s, initially becoming an advisor to then-president Viktor Yushchenko.
Klitschko Brothers Speak Out
He is the current Mayor of Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, since 2014 and he spoke to ITV's Good Morning Britain show condemning Russia's actions.
"I don't have another choice, I have to do that. I'll be fighting," he said. "I believe in Ukraine, I believe in my country and I believe in my people."
Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko launch a joint video appeal after Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine by Russia…
[📽️ @Vitaliy_Klychko & @Klitschko] pic.twitter.com/uVG4NqtCff— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 24, 2022
Wladimir, who retired from boxing in 2017, took to LinkedIn to release a statement on the conflict in Ukraine. "The Ukrainian people are strong," he said.
"It will remain true to itself in this terrible ordeal. A people longing for sovereignty and peace. A people who consider the Russian people their brothers."
"The Ukrainian people have chosen democracy. But democracy is a fragile regime. Democracy cannot defend itself; it needs the will of the citizens, the commitment of everyone."
"We have to prepare to take weapons in our hands, and defend the country,"
Only last month, Wladimir Klitschko opted to join a military reserve of the Ukrainian Armed Forces known as the Kyiv Territorial Defense Brigade. He gave his reasoning:
One district from here, my little girl is going to school. The school is currently closed because the ambassadors have sent the families home. It is the love, the love for my city, my home, my family, my neighbours, my daughter that has brought me here today, that I took this initiative and am now taking part in this territorial defence.
The decision of the brothers was praised by many inside and outside of boxing.
Love. Best wishes and prayers for the Klitschko brothers, their family and country men. Hopefully peace prevails
— George Foreman (@GeorgeForeman) February 25, 2022
Vitali and Wladimir @Klitschko, I am thinking of you, my friends. You were my heroes in the ring and you’re my heroes now. https://t.co/hR5U5llTwS
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 25, 2022
Many Ukrainian sportspeople have taken to social media to speak out against Russian President Vladimir Putin over the past few days, including fellow boxer Oleksandr Usyk.
The Heavyweight Champion left the country earlier this week on business but says he has returned to Ukraine and delivered a message to his fellow country people.
"Friends, we have to unite because it’s a hard time right now and I’m really emotional and worried about my country, and our people. Friends, we have to stop this war; all of us together," he said on Instagram.
Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko joined the Klitschkos and Usyk in being vocal on social media, initially calling for 'the most painful suffering death' of Putin.
That post has since been taken down, but he did take to his Instagram page two days ago to have his feelings heard. Zinchenko fled Ukraine as a youngster during the Donbas War.
"In the photo - my country. The country where I was born and raised. A country whose colours I defend in the international sports arena. A country that we try to glorify and develop."
"A country whose borders must remain inviolable. My country belongs to Ukrainians and no one will ever be able to appropriate it. We will not give up! Glory to Ukraine."
It comes as many sporting organisations are condemning Russia's actions, including UEFA who have moved the Champions League final from St. Petersburg.
Formula 1's Russian Grand Prix will also not go ahead this year, after Sebastian Vettel made comments that he wouldn't take part in the event.
See Also: Paris To Replace St. Petersburg As Champions League Final Venue
