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Former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko is ready to take up arms to defend Ukraine. PHOTO/Al Jazeera
“We all hope and pray that a military conflict can be avoided, but it is important to prepare for the worst-case scenario,” Wladimir said while enlisting for the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces in Kiev on Wednesday (2/2/2022).
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“If the aggressor comes to our country, we have no other choice. We have to defend our city, our country, our future as a democratic European country,” he continued, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
Wladimir, who lives in the Ukrainian capital with his daughter, hopes his enlistment will motivate others in the city to stay strong against attacks.
“Every parent will protect their children’s environment. And there are two ways, you can run, or you can face challenges. So, my choice was to accept the challenge,” he said.
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When registering, Wladimir was accompanied by his brother who is also a former world heavyweight boxing champion, Vitali Klitschko. Currently, Vitali serves as Mayor of Kiev.
“We hope our diplomats find a way to stop this aggression,” he said. However, Vitali warned that Russia would pay a “very heavy price” if it attacked Ukraine.
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