Former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has taken to social media to send a message after Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine as part of a full-scale invasion.
Health secretary Sajid Javid confirmed on Tuesday that the ‘invasion of Ukraine has begun’, while Putin declared war on Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Around 10,000 troops moved into two Russian speaking breakaway areas of Ukraine - Donbas and Luhansk - that Putin recognised as independent states in the most aggressive move in recent times.
The worrying move has driven fear into the hearts of many Ukrainian citizens while the world holds its breath, and Klitschko took to Twitter to remind of historic lessons.
“The world is watching how reckless and deadly imperialism is, not just for #Ukraine but the whole world,” Klitschko wrote. “Let history be a lesson to not be repeated.”
The 45-year-old is one of Ukraine’s most famous figures alongside his brother and Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko. He also took to social media with a defiant stance regarding his country ahead of the conflict.
Klitschko, who took office in 2014, tweeted: “Be sure: Ukraine is strong!
“It has a strong capital #Kyiv, strong cities, villages and a strong solid and united people who value above all their independence, sovereignty and peace in Europe.
“Its WILL to exist is infinite. Glory to Ukraine!”
Vitali has held the roles of Mayor of Kyiv and head of the Kyiv City State Administration since 2014.
Before his political career, both Vitali and Wladimir dominated the heavyweight boxing division for years. Unified champion Wladimir remained unbeaten for more than a decade before he was dethroned by Tyson Fury in 2015.
Meanwhile, Vitali held the WBC belt for more than eight years before retiring on top in 2012 to turn his attention from the ring to the political arena.
