Ukrainian former boxer Wladimir Klitschko has opened up about the 'horrifying reality of war' while fighting against Russian troops.
The ex-heavyweight champion and his brother Vitali have both taken up arms to defend their country as the Russian military continues to advance towards the capital.
Vitali Klitschko, who has been the mayor of Kyiv since 2014, said he was even ‘ready to die’ when the Russian troops began their mission towards his city.
Wladimir admitted he was in the ‘biggest fight’, according to the Daily Mirror.
“Boxing is sport – this is war, and our people are dying," he said. "During this conversation with you, innocent women, children and civilians will be subjected to bombs, missiles and horrifying reality of war.
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“People say this is the biggest fight of my life, and I agree – it's so sad to realise how terrifying the war is.”
Wladimir, who competed as a professional boxer from 1996 to 2017, has urged Russia to be banned from all international sporting events and competition as Ukrainians were 'dying at the hands of the country's aggression'.
He wants rest of the world to follow in the footsteps of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after they suggested Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials be excluded from international competitions.
The former boxer also called out Britain for their 'pathetic' response to the Ukraine refugee crisis and said it was ‘possible to do more'.
Despite roughly over two million refugees fleeing the war-stricken country, the UK has issued fewer than 1,000 visas so far.
Many European countries have taken in more Ukrainian refugees, with Poland accepting more than 1.2 million refugees, Hungary has agreed to take in 190,000 refugees, Germany has brought in 50,000 refugees, and Italy has taken over 17,000 refugees in the past two weeks.
Wladimir posted a video where he requested further action to be taken against Russia.
“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," he said.
“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.”
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.
Charisa Bossinakis