Arnold Schwarzenegger Says Klitschkos Are 'His Heroes'

Arnold Schwarzenegger says Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko are 'his heroes'.

The film star has praised the two boxing legends for the bravery they are showing in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Yesterday (24 February), Russian president Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine, sending thousands of troops over the border and ordering air strikes across the country.

Following the announcement, Vitali, who is the Mayor of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, and his brother issued an appeal to international partners to stand united in their support of Ukraine.

In the video posted on social media, Wladimir said: "I’m calling to all international partners to observe this tragedy that is happening nowadays in Ukraine and this senseless war which is not going to have any winners or losers.

"I just want to tell you we must stay united against this aggression, this Russian aggression. 

"Don’t let it continue happening in Ukraine, don’t let it happen in Europe and eventually in the world."

"United we’re strong. Support Ukraine, thank you," he concluded.

And now, Schwarzenegger has praised the brothers for their courage.

In a tweet, the actor said: "Vitali and Wladimir @Klitschko, I am thinking of you, my friends. You were my heroes in the ring and you’re my heroes now."

In a post on Instagram, the 74-year-old said he was behind the Ukrainian people during this dark time.

He said: "My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people. I have been asked to do several interviews, but I believe the news should continue to focus on what's happening on the ground - on the tragedy that has broken our hearts and on the courage of the Ukrainian people that has inspired us.

"I am not a foreign policy expert, so I will leave the analysis to smarter people than me. I do know what it's like to grow up after a war, in an occupied country, and I know that in war and its aftermath, no one wins. Everyone suffers.

"War has a way of breaking the winners along with the losers.

"I have Ukrainian friends and fans and I have Russian friends and fans. As far as I can tell, none of them want this.

"I hope sanity will eventually prevail and end this unnecessary war before too many lives are broken. In the meantime, I stand with the people of Ukraine.

"I share your grief and your hope for peace. You inspire me with your bravery and your humanity in the face of this nightmare.

"God bless you."

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.