A pair of Hall of Fame boxers have set aside sports to take up arms to fight for the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression, according to reports.
As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, Hall of Fame Boxers Vitali Klitschko and his brother Wladimir have announced that they aren’t going to sit by doing nothing in the face of Russia’s attacks.
Vitali is also currently the mayor of Kyiv and he said that he intends to fight on the frontlines.
“I don’t have another choice, I have to do that. I’ll be fighting,” the 50-year-old mayor said, according to Reuters.
“I believe in Ukraine, I believe in my country and I believe in my people,” he added.
Both Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko – sons of a Major General in the old Soviet Air Force – made millions as heavyweight boxing champs. They could be safely living anywhere in the world. Instead they are in their native Ukraine vowing to take up arms and fight Russia. Heroes. pic.twitter.com/H94QLWz5bx
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) February 25, 2022
Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko defending his country ?? #IStandWithUkraine #SlavaUkraini pic.twitter.com/0cOHOBVIoy
— Natia Seskuria (@nseskuria) February 25, 2022
Wladimir also said he would fight for his country. The former champion and Olympic gold medalist joined Ukraine’s reserve forces.
“The Ukrainian people are strong. And 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,” he wrote on his social media.
“It knows that they basically do not want this war. The Ukrainian people have chosen democracy,” he said, adding, “But: Democracy is a fragile regime. Democracy cannot defend itself; it needs the will of the citizens, the commitment of everyone. Basically, there is no democracy without democrats.
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Tags: Commentary Ukraine
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