Former heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko says he will take up arms alongside brother and fellow Hall -of-Famer Wladimir Klitschko to fight in a "bloody war", after Russia's invasion of their native Ukraine.
Russia has launched its invasion by land, air and sea, after a declaration of war by President Vladimir Putin. An estimated 100,000 people have fled as explosions and gunfire rocked major cities, while dozens have been reported killed.
Vitali Klitschko, who has been Mayor of Ukraine capital Kyiv since 2014, says he is ready to fight.
"I don't have another choice, I have to do that," the 50-year-old, known as 'Dr Ironfist' during his fighting days, has told ITV's Good Morning Britain. "I'll be fighting."
Vitali Klitschko says Kyiv is under threat, and the main priority is to work with police and military forces to support critical infrastructure, including the delivery of electricity, gas and water for its citizens.
He adds civilians are ready to defend Kyiv as soldiers.
"I believe in Ukraine, I believe in my country and I believe in my people," Vitali Klitschko says.
Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko enlisted in Ukraine's reserve army earlier this month, saying love for his country compelled him to defend it.
"The Ukrainian people are strong and it will remain true to itself in this terrible ordeal," he posted on LinkedIn. "A people longing for sovereignty and peace, a people who consider the Russian people their brothers.
"It knows that they basically do not want this war. The Ukrainian people have chosen democracy, but democracy is a fragile regime. Democracy cannot defend itself - it needs the will of the citizens, the commitment of everyone.
"Basically, there is no democracy without democrats."
