Boxing legend Klitschko urges unity as Russia invades Ukraine

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko and his brother Vitali have made an appeal to the international community to stay united in the face of the Russian invasion of their country.

Wladimir: Imperialism is deadly

Wladimir reacted immediately to the invasion, tweeting: “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,” he wrote.

Vitali, a former professional boxer who is now the mayor of the Ukrainian capital Kiev, has declared a state of emergency in the city which is currently under martial law.

The brothers uploaded a joint video message, speaking in Ukranian, Russian, and English.

Wladimir: Stay united

“I’m calling to all international partners to observe this tragedy that is happening nowadays in Ukraine, and this senseless war that is not going to have any winners, but losers, ” Wladimir said in English.

“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 in the world.

“United we are strong, support Ukraine. Thank you,” he said.

Related stories:

Wladimir the boxer

Wladimir’s professional boxing career lasted from 1996 to 2017, where he won the world heavyweight championship twice. He was known for his powerful knockout punch, and is considered one of the best champions of his weight division.

Klitschko was once the unified heavyweight champion, holding the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, and Ring magazine titles.