He’s a strong man. But in view of the threat to his country from Russian troops, ex-boxing world champion and current mayor Vitali Klitschko is also struggling to keep his composure!
In an interview with BILD Live, Klitschko reports that more and more Russian soldiers are stationed at the border with Ukraine. “A few days ago we were still talking about 100,000 soldiers, now it’s already 120,000.”
That makes his compatriots nervous. “Everyone is talking about a possible war,” said Klitschko. The Ukrainians themselves are not aggressive at all, which is why the people in Ukraine are very irritated.
BUT: “If the Russians invade, then we have no other choice and must defend our country, our family, our homeland.” When he says this, the former heavyweight boxing world champion’s voice fails. He’s close to tears.
5000 helmets is an absolute joke
Klitschko once again emphasized that he considers the promise made by German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) to deliver 5,000 helmets to Ukraine to be an absolute joke.
In view of the Russian threat and Putin’s army, which is equipped with the most modern weapons, means of defense are needed. “We need help and support from friends,” appeals Klitschko.
Because in NATO and also in the EU one must understand where the roots of the conflict and Russian aggression lie – namely that Ukraine is oriented towards the West, towards Europe, towards Western democratic values.
His country wants to be part of the European family. “And that doesn’t fit the image of the Russian government. They want to build a big Russian or Soviet empire again.”