Former Ukrainian world champion Vladimir Klitschko, Vitali Klitschko take up arms amid the Russian invasion

Former boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko rose to stardom through fighting. Now, the brothers will fight for their homeland. Vladimir enlisted in the Ukrainian reserve army three weeks ago Russian invasion early Thursdayand Vitali – the mayor of Kiev, Ukraine – said this week he would take up arms, too.

In a video posted on Twitter Thursday morning, Wladimir Klitschko appealed for help in what he believes will be a “meaningless war” with no winners or losers.

“I invite all international partners to note the tragedy that is taking place in Ukraine these days,” Vladimir said. “… I just want to tell you that we must remain united against this aggression, against Russian aggression. Don’t let that continue in Ukraine. Don’t let that happen in Europe and ultimately in the world. United we are strong. Support Ukraine.”

Also on Thursday, Vitali Klitschko told Good Morning Britain that he was ready to fight in what was a “really bloody war”. “I have no other choice” but to take up arms against the Russian invaders, Klitschko said.

Russia invaded Ukraine early Thursday morning while Russian President Vladimir Putin describe it as a “special military operation”. In a speech that morning, Putin said he intended to disarm the country rather than occupy it.

Two hours after Vitali Klitschko’s announcement, his brother entered into a tweet explaining how dangerous the situation is for Ukraine and beyond.

Vladimir “The world is watching how lethal and reckless imperialism is, not only for Ukraine, but for the whole world” Wrote. “Let history be a lesson not to be repeated.”

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