Efrem Lukatsky/AP
- Wladimir Klitschko warned that if Russia succeeds in its invasion of Ukraine, the whole world will be threatened.
- He called for more weapons assistance from the West and economic sanctions targeting Russia.
- Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, echoed the request, saying Ukraine has the same "principles with democratic countries."
Wladimir Klitschko issued a grave warning on Sunday, saying that if Russia succeeds in its invasion of Ukraine, the whole world faces a threat.
"Ukraine is just the beginning. They will roll further, and if we're not going to stop them in Ukraine, they will go further," Wladimir Klitschko told ABC News "This Week". "If we fail, the rest of the world, the free world will fail."
Wladimir Klitschko, who is also a former Ukrainian boxer, made the comments alongside his brother, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, on Sunday.
It comes after Russian troops withdrew from Kyiv last week after a six-week struggle to claim the capital city. During Sunday's interview, Wladimir Klitschko said Russia may still return to try to seize this city again.
"That's why we appreciate for humanitarian support, for political support and weapon support. It's very, very important for us in this critical time and we see who [are] real friends of Ukraine," Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
—This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 10, 2022
Wladimir Klitschko called for more military aid and economic sanctions on Russia.
"First and mostly, we need weapons. We cannot defend our country with our fists," he said. "Second, isolation. Economic isolation of Russia. Every cent and every trade that you do with Russia and every cent that Russia is getting, they're using for weapons to kill us, Ukrainians."
The Biden administration and European leaders have vowed to supply Ukraine with the weapons needed to fend off attacks from Russian troops.
At least 50 people were killed on Friday after two Russian rockets hit a train station in Kramatorsk, a town in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. The station was crammed with people who were fleeing their homes, Ukrainian officials said.
"We don't need and expect any other army and army boots on our soil. We're going to take care of it ourselves and we'll defend our homes. We just need those weapons to do that," Wladimir Klitschko said.
Vitali Klitschko added: "We defend not just our families and our children, we defend the same – I hope the same values and principles with democratic countries. And that's why support of Ukraine is very important for us. Still with Ukraine is the key for peace, unity around Ukraine is key for the peace back in Europe."
source https://www.businessinsider.com/if-ukraine-fails-free-world-will-fail-wladimir-klitschko-says-2022-4