Wladimir Klitschko prefers freedom and justice above peace

For those qualities of life, people must be prepared to fight, Klitschko –as well as his brother former professional boxer– writes in a guest editorial for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). His contribution is a response to an open letter from 28 prominent German figures who called on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz not to send heavy weaponry to Ukraine –either directly or indirectly– in order not to give Russian President Vladimir Putin a reason to extend the war to NATO countries.

The signatories demanded that Germany step up its efforts to achieve a rapid ceasefire and a “compromise acceptable to both sides”. They received the necessary support for their position but also much criticism. “To describe our resistance as warfare and as a provocation of Putin is utter nonsense,” Klitschko told FAZ.

Moral sermons

According to the former world champion, for Putin, the mere existence of Ukraine is a provocation. “So no, we will not give up our identity to appease the murderous madness and outdated dream of a dictator. And certainly not to please a few ‘intellectuals’ who seem to have lost their sense of reality and reason.”

Ukraine does not need “abstract moral sermons”, Klitschko continues, but “concrete support in the form of medicine, materials and weapons”. Ukraine does not require “cowardly letters blaming the victims” but “courageous letters denouncing Russian barbarism and calling for a boycott of Russian oil, gas and coal”.

Ukraine wants peace, Klitschko writes, claiming that his country defends “European values” with Ukrainian lives. Ukraine wants “its old life back. And to look forward to a European future of freedom and prosperity.”