Boxing legends the Klitschko brothers vow to fight for Ukraine

Story by Reuters

Updated 1132 GMT (1932 HKT) February 25, 2022

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko (left) and his brother, Wladimir Klitschko, shown here during a visit to a volunteers recruitment centre in Kyiv on February 2, 2022

Former heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko said he would take up arms alongside his brother and fellow Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko to fight in what is a «bloody war» following Russia's invasion of their country, Ukraine.

Russia launched its invasion by land, air and sea on Thursday following a declaration of war by President Vladimir Putin. An estimated 100,000 people have fled as explosions and gunfire rocked major cities. Dozens have been reported killed. Vitali Klitschko, who has been the mayor of Ukraine's capital Kyiv since 2014, said he was ready to fight.Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko, pictured here in his office on February 10, said he would fight for his country.«I don't have another choice, I have to do that. I'll be fighting,» the 50-year-old, known as «Dr. Ironfist» during his fighting days, told UK broadcaster ITV's Good Morning Britain.Vitali Klitschko said Kyiv was under threat and the main priority was to work with police and military forces to support critical infrastructure, including the delivery of electricity, gas and water for its citizens.Read MoreHe added civilians were ready to defend Kyiv as soldiers.«I believe in Ukraine, I believe in my country and I believe in my people,» Vitali Klitschko said.UEFA moves Champions League Final from St. Petersburg as sporting world reacts to Russian invasion of UkraineFormer heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko enlisted in Ukraine's reserve army earlier this month, saying that the love for his country compelled him to defend