Wladimir Klitschko says Ukraine needs ‘supplies and support’ following Russian invasion | Boxing News

Wladimir Klitschko has urged other countries to provide Ukraine with supplies and financial support following the Russian invasion, with the former world heavyweight boxing champion fearing the attack could extend to other nations.

Speaking to Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett, Klitschko – who has taken up arms – praised the Western world for “standing for and with” Ukraine but says further assistance is imperative.

“To come to our home and kill our men, women and children, this is not human, what any human can do,” said Klitschko, 45.

“We need supplies, we need food, we need medicine. We need any support, financial support, as we are alone in this case.

“But, in a way, we are all together. The democratic Western world stands for us and with us. This war, if it is not going to stop in Ukraine, it is going to spread out.

“If any of you are thinking, ‘it’s in Ukraine, I don’t really care,’ you should. Don’t underestimate it, we should take care of it promptly.

“To in any way stop this Russian aggression is crucial. We don’t have time to hesitate, it needs to be promptly done.

“It is just unimaginable what is happening in this beautiful country to these beautiful people.”

‘Proud to see sporting communities standing together’

Klitschko has been pleased with the way many sporting bodies have come together to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in events since the military attack on Ukraine was instigated.

FIFA and UEFA have prohibited Russian clubs and national teams from participating “until further notice” with many other sporting organisations following suit.

Klitschko added: “I am proud of the world’s unity and seeing sporting communities standing together – the IOC, boxing federations, UEFA, FIFA, Formula 1.

“Ban Russian teams from participating. I have nothing against the athletes but they are presenting the regime and in some way the connection with this war.

“It is never enough until the war is going to be stopped but it is important to show the world is not okay with this war, that the sporting world is not okay with it.”

On the current situation in Ukraine, Klitschko said: “It’s a very challenging time in the lives of Ukrainians. I was never thinking I am going to face the war.

“You see and hear the explosions, the rockets, the destroyed vehicles, buildings – it is absolutely terrifying what the war can do.

“I am proud of the Ukrainian nation. Everyone stands for each other. I have never been as proud to be Ukrainian as now.”

The Ukrainian athletes fighting against Russian invasion

A number of Ukrainian athletes including Klitschko brothers Wladmir and Vitali and fellow boxers Vasiliy Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk, have taken up arms following the Russian invasion.

Recently-retired Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky also explained his intention to return to Kyiv and fight. while current Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov and former Arsenal defender Oleh Luzhnyi plan to defend their nation.