Boxing legends 'take up arms' for Ukraine against Russia

Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko are sporting heroes in Ukraine, and the former boxing world champions say they're ready to take up arms in the fight against Russia.

The world was left in shock this week after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in a move that many fear could provoke a Third World War.

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Ukrainian officials said their forces were battling Russians on multiple fronts, and had lost control of the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear power plant, scene of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

Numerous casualties have already been reported since the fighting began on Thursday (AEDT).

The younger of the Klitschko brothers, Wladimir, enlisted in the Ukrainian reserve army three weeks before Russia's invasion and appealed for the world's help in a social media video where he described the situation as a "senseless war" with no winners or losers.

In a video posted to Twitter on Thursday, Wladimir appealed for the world's help in the fight against Russia.

"I'm calling to all international partners to observe this tragedy that is happening nowadays in Ukraine," Wladimir said in the video, in which he's standing side-by-side with brother Vitali.

"I just want to tell you we must stay united against this aggression, against Russian aggression. Don't let it continue happening in Ukraine. Don't let it happen in Europe and eventually the world. United we're strong. Support Ukraine."

Klitschko called Putin's actions a "blatant violation of international law" and said Russia's President was putting the "European way of life" at threat.

The brothers have asked for the world's support, urging others to mobilise against "the march of imperialism."

"You can do something by mobilising and organising huge demonstrations," Wladimir Klitschko said in a statement.

"Make your voice heard. Make the voice of democracy heard. Say it loud and clear that international law and democracy are under attack, that war is the greatest evil and that life is sacred. Also say that while solidarity is good, support is better. Say that the march of imperialism must be stopped now. After all, whose turn will it be after Ukraine?"

He warned that Putin could turn his attention to another country if he's not met with resistance in Ukraine.

Wladimir's brother Vitali said he would also take up arms and fight against Russia.

Vitali - who is the mayor of Ukraine's capital Kyiv - also appeared on Good Morning Britain where he said he didn't "have another choice" but to fight for his country in a "bloody war".

The Klitschko brothers' call to arms comes as other sporting identities around the world join in the global condemnation of Russia.

PM joins global condemnation of Russia

Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed his support after Aussie aerial skier Danielle Scott announced she was leaving Russia and won't compete at upcoming World Cup events in the country.

Scott, who recently competed at the Beijing Winter Olympics, said she could not believe the situation after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"Decision has been made to leave Russia and not compete in the final World Cups," she wrote on Twitter.

"I can’t believe this is happening. In the uniquely unifying power of sport, I wished so badly for this situation to be different."

The prime minister later issued his public support for Scott and urged other athletes and sporting bodies to follow suit.

"All international sporting events in Russia should have their authorisations withdrawn from all international sporting bodies," Mr Morrison tweeted.

"This includes the F1 grand prix in Sochi."

The Russian Grand Prix is due to be held in late September, however there are major doubts about whether it will take place.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has called on the sport's governing body not to hold the event in Russia.

Vettel indicated that he would boycott the race should it take place, calling it "wrong" to race in Russia.

Football organisation UEFA is also set to strip St Petersburg of the hosting rights of the Champions League final, which is set to be held in May.

And the International Olympic Committee has also blasted Vladimir Putin for breaking the 'Olympic Truce'.

The IOC pointed out that all 193 UN member states had agreed last December to a global truce beginning seven days before the start of the Olympic Games in Beijing and ending seven days after the closing of the Paralympic Games on March 13.

"Today, IOC President Thomas Bach reiterates his call for peace, which he expressed in his speeches at the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games," the IOC said.

The IOC also said that "following recent events," it was "deeply concerned about the safety of the Olympic Community in Ukraine."

with agencies

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