Former Boxer Wladimir Klitschko Is Furious With Russia's Reckless Imperialism

Former world heavyweight champion boxer from Ukraine Wladimir Klitschko (INSTAGRAM @klitschko)

JAKARTA – Former world heavyweight champion boxer from Ukraine Wladimir Klitschko highlighted Russia's arbitrary treatment of his country. This reckless military operation is not to be repeated in the future.

Klitschko took to Twitter to express his anger. He said that imperialism is so risky not only for his country, but the whole world.

"The world is witnessing how reckless and deadly imperialism is, not only for #Ukraine but the whole world. Let history be a lesson not to repeat itself," Wladimir wrote, quoted by The Mirror.

Wladimir's brother, Vitali Klitschko, also uses the same social media to share how they are feeling at the moment. Vitali, who has served as mayor of Kyiv since 2014, and Wladimir are very well-known figures in Ukraine.

"Make sure: Ukraine is strong. This country has a strong capital city #Kyiv, strong cities, villages and solid and united people who value above all their independence, sovereignty and peace in Europe," wrote Vitali.

In addition, Vitali also emphasized that he and his brother were ready to take up arms and fight on the front lines against Russia. They are not afraid to fight in the bloody war due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Vitali Klitschko said Kyiv was under threat and the top priority was to work with the military and police to secure critical infrastructure as well as electricity, water, and gas supplies for Ukrainian citizens.

"There is no other choice, I have to fight. I will fight," the 50-year-old, who was known as "Dr. Ironfist" while still active in the boxing ring, told broadcaster ITV's Good Morning Britain.

Meanwhile, Wladimir, who enlisted in Ukraine's reserve army earlier this month, said his love for his country forced him to join the fight.

"Ukrainian people are strong. And it will stay true to itself in this terrible ordeal. People who long for sovereignty and peace. People who consider Russians as their brothers," he wrote in a post on LinkedIn on Thursday.

Russia launched its invasion by land, air, and sea on Thursday following President Vladimir Putin's declaration of war. An estimated 100.000 people have fled as explosions and gunfire rocked major cities, while dozens were reported dead.