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Vitali Klitschko (51), Mayor of Kyiv, says he would take up arms himself in an emergency to defend his city.
Vitali Klitschko (51) and his brother Wladimir (46) can hardly take three steps on the Davos Promenade without someone asking them for a selfie. The two Ukrainian giants – Kiev’s mayor Vitali is 2.01 meters tall, his brother is 1.98 – are literally the outstanding guests at the WEF. And despite the busy schedule and despite the difficult situation in their homeland: During the interview with Blick that Vitali Klitschko gives in German, he seems concentrated and relaxed.
Blick: Mr Klitschko, on Wednesday the Ukrainian Interior Minister Denys Monastyrskyi died in a helicopter crash near your hometown. What do you know about the background?
Vitali Klitschko: Part of our government was en route to the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, where a few days ago a Russian missile destroyed a block of flats, killing at least 45 people. Tragically, the helicopter carrying the interior minister crashed directly onto a kindergarten. Three children are among the at least 18 dead. At the moment we can only speculate about the cause of the crash.
The attack on Dnipro is the latest example of Russian terror against civilian targets in Ukraine. How does the horror of war affect your personal everyday life as mayor?
Since the outbreak of war, the missile alert in Kyiv has been raised 645 times. Taken together, our citizens spent a whole month of their lives in the bunker. All because of this senseless war. The risk is still high every day due to the attacks of the kamikaze drones. These drones and missiles could fall anywhere in Ukraine at any moment.
And you yourself still go into the air-raid shelter whenever there is an alarm?
Not always, to be honest. I want to be a role model for the people in my city. But I have to take certain risks. For example when I visit the places in the city that have been hit by Russian rockets. Or when we try to save lives with our fire brigade and ambulances.
Once world champion, now mayor
Vitali Klitschko (51) has been mayor of Kyiv since 2014 and president of the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reforms (UDAR) party, which he founded in 2010. From 1996 to 2013 he was a professional boxer – the former heavyweight world champion wore the fight name “Dr. iron fist». Like his brother Wladimir, Vitali Klitschko lived in Germany for a long time. He is divorced and has three children.
Vitali Klitschko (51) has been mayor of Kyiv since 2014 and president of the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reforms (UDAR) party, which he founded in 2010. From 1996 to 2013 he was a professional boxer – the former heavyweight world champion wore the fight name “Dr. iron fist». Like his brother Wladimir, Vitali Klitschko lived in Germany for a long time. He is divorced and has three children.
Russia wants to massively expand its army. A new attack on Kyiv is not out of the question. How are you preparing the city for this?
We have prepared many surprises for the attackers. I advise the Russian soldiers not to come to Kyiv again. This will end very bloody for them. But we know the Russian plans. Kyiv has always been a target of the Russian aggressor, and unfortunately it remains so. A new attack from the north of Belarus remains realistic.
Would you take up arms yourself?
As a former soldier, I have promised: If it is serious, I am ready to take up arms and defend my country without thinking twice. My father was a general. He taught me that the greatest honor for a man is to give his life for his country.
Were there attempts to kill you?
Every mayor in Ukraine is a target. 37 Ukrainian mayors were temporarily kidnapped. Seven are still missing. One was killed. So life is. We have to take this seriously – and still do our job.
What did you achieve at the WEF in Davos?
As long as the largest country in Europe in terms of area is unstable, the entire continent will remain unstable. To change that, we need more support for Ukraine – aid for reconstruction and arms supplies.
Did you also meet members of the Swiss government?
I met members of parliament, business representatives and also representatives of the Swiss government. We’ve had a lot of conversations. I have heard one statement very often: We are a neutral country.
And what do you say about the Swiss adherence to neutrality?
When it comes to human rights, life and death, war and peace, you can’t be neutral. You have to show attitude! The sanctions work very well against Russia. Every dollar, every euro, every franc sent to Russia benefits the Russian army. This money has Ukrainian blood on it. So again: on the one hand, we understand Switzerland and its neutrality. But nowadays, when it comes to shared values, you can’t be neutral.
Should Switzerland also supply weapons?
I am asking Switzerland to supply defense weapons that protect people’s lives – for example air defense systems. In Kyiv alone, more than 150 people have died from Russian missile and drone attacks.
You were at the WEF eight months ago, now you’re back. Do you have more hope today than you did back in May that the war will soon be over?
Eight months ago the situation was much more critical than it is today. At that time, Russian soldiers were standing on the border with Kyiv. Today there are no more Russians, a large part of Ukraine was liberated by Ukrainian soldiers. Our soldiers are much stronger today than they were then, we have much more experience and more support. The situation is still difficult but stable.
Are you convinced that Ukraine will win this war?
Yes, I am absolutely convinced of that. I can also explain why. As a former fighter, I know that size and strength play a role, but not the decisive one. Even more important is the will to win, the spirit. We are extremely motivated. Russian soldiers fight for money, we defend our families and children. And our future.
You used to fight man against man as a boxer. Today your opponent is hiding in the Kremlin. What would you say to Putin if you were face to face with him?
There’s no point in arguing with him. Because Putin is sick. A sane person wouldn’t get the crazy idea of building a Russian empire and letting thousands die for it. He is a criminal and must bear responsibility for all the evil he has brought to the world.