Arnold Schwarzenegger has branded Ukraine natives Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko his 'heroes'
Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger has branded Ukraine natives Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko his "heroes".
The Terminator star has praised the two former champion boxers for the courage they have shown in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Schwarzenegger's comments come in light of Russian President Vladimir Putin declaring war on Ukraine on February 24.
Putin has sent thousands of troops over the border and ordered air strikes on the country.
The Independent reported on Friday that at least 136 Ukrainians have been killed, with 316 wounded.
After Putin declared war on Ukraine, Vitali, who is the Mayor of the Ukranian capital Kyiv, and his brother issued an appeal to the country's international partners.
Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko have asked for the war to end (Image: Getty Images)
"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 his address.
Arnold Schwarzenegger praised the brothers for their heroism (Image: Getty Images for for J/P HRO Gala)
Wladimir, 45, also shared a powerful post asking for the world to stand with Ukraine.
Alongside a black-and-white image of himself, he said: "Demonstrations are a key element of democracy. On our continent at this moment fundamental elements of democracy are under threat.
"As I wrote before: "There is no democracy without democrats.
"Get involved and use the freedoms that democracy offers you to express your support and solidarity.
"Therefore, I call upon all citizens to organize demonstrations and raise their voices against war, for democracy and for freedom. I ask the people of the European democracies to stand side by side with the free, democracy-loving Ukrainian people.
"The cowardly and murderous attack by the autocratic Russian regime on us must be stopped immediately.
"Start 'demo-cracy', a demonstration for democracy, against war, and for a peaceful and free future for the children of our continent.
"Share your solidarity!"
Schwarzenegger said he was 'thinking of' Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko (Image: Getty Images)
Praising the brothers, Arnie, 74, 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."
"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.
Wladimir and Vitali have been asking for international support (Image: Getty Images)
"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."
Source: dailystar
