Former Boxer Wladimir Klitschko Enlists As A Ukrainian Reservist, Ready To Defend The Country From A Possible Russian Invasion

Wladimir Klitschko (Instagram @Klitschko)

JAKARTA - Former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko enlisted in the Ukrainian reserve army in Kyiv on Wednesday. By reason of love for the homeland, he wanted to participate in defending the independence of Ukraine.

Ukraine has been bracing for a possible military strike after Russia stockpiled tens of thousands of troops near the Ukrainian border in recent weeks, although Moscow says it has no plans to invade Ukraine.

Both Wladimir and his brother Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv Mayor and former heavyweight boxing champion, were present at the opening of the Regional Defense Forces recruitment center in the Ukrainian capital.

"One district from here, my daughter is going to school. The school is currently closed because the ambassadors have sent their families home," Wladimir Klitschko said, referring to the partial withdrawal of the embassy.

"It's about love, love for my city, my home, my family, my neighbors, my daughter who brought me here today, that I took this initiative and now take part in defending this country."

However, Mayor Klitscko, his younger brother, favored a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Russia. "Otherwise, we must be prepared to take up arms and defend the country," he added.

Ukraine has urged its allies in the West to send aid and weapons to prevent a Russian invasion.

The Klitschko brothers spent part of their boxing careers in Germany and Mayor Klitschko last week both criticized Germany for refusing to supply weapons. But on Wednesday Wladimir's brother softened.

"I would say thank you to Germany, because no other country has invested in Ukraine as much as Germany in recent years," he said in German.

"Germany is number one and then all the other countries support us. I want to say 'thank you' for this support."