FORMER heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitshcko has signed up to the Ukrainian army amid rising tensions with Russia.
The Ukrainian government are bracing themselves for an imminent invasion from their neighbours following Vladimir Putin‘s deployment of nearly 90,000 Russian troops to the border.
And Klitschko has joined his country’s army reserves to defend his homeland should the situation escalate to all-out war.
The 45-year-old told CNBC: “I signed up as a reserve for the territorial forces, for defending the city of Kiev.
“Because of everything that is currently going on around Ukraine. The aggression from the Russian side.
“For weeks if not months, there have been reports on how serious this is.
“One district from here, my little girl is going to school.
“The school is currently closed because the ambassadors have sent the families home.
“It is the love, the love for my city. It has brought me here today for the love of my home, family, neighbors, and daughter.
“I took this initiative. I am now taking part in this territorial defense.”
Superpowers around the world – including the USA and NATO – have warned Russia they will retaliate if they attack the Ukraine.
But Klitschko’s older brother Vitali – who is currently the serving mayor of Kiev – is hopeful diplomacy and the threat of global sanctions will stop the Russians from invading.
He said: “Before our enemies make an attack against Ukraine, they have to sink.
“We’re strong. This will be a very painful price for everyone.
“We hope our diplomats, Ukrainian diplomats, will give all knowledge to stop this aggression in a diplomatic way.
“If not, we have to prepare to take weapons in our hands and defend the country.”
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