Klitschko: Since WW II the world has never been so close to war. There is a very high risk of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

“Since WW II, the world has never been so close to war. There is a very high risk Russia will invade Ukraine,” commented Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko to Ukraine24 journalists from Munich.

He mentioned that Ukraine was the focal point during the MSC talks. The Conference brings together and provides a powerful platform for heads of state, senior-decision makers, public leaders and opinion-makers from around the world. “Global security is the most important issue now. Since WW II, we have never been this close to the brink. There is a very high risk Russia will invade Ukraine, especially if we think of shelling incidents in Donbas. So here I use every opportunity to let our international partners know about the direness of today’s situation,” emphasised Klitschko.

At the MSC Klitschko met with the U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress delegations, a Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and members of the European parliament. He also addressed the members of the Bavarian parliament and the Bavarian government with a keynote speech on the topic ‘Ukraine Is in Danger. It Is Time to Stand Side by Side’

At the opening of the MSC on February 18, Klitschko asked U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock about the support the partners of Ukraine provide in this dramatic moment and about defensive weapon delivery.

“It is very important that Ukraine has defensive weapons. We appreciate the German investments over the past few years in our infrastructure and reform process. But in this critical situation, Ukraine has to repel one of the largest and most powerful armed forces in the world. We must ensure that any aggressor will pay dearly for any attempt to invade our country,” said Klitschko.

As the U.S. Secretary of State assured, the United States will continue to support Ukraine and provide much-needed assistance.

“In the last year alone we provided about $650 million in defensive lethal assistance, more in the last year than in any previous year.  We continue to provide that assistance.  I personally authorized some of our partner countries who had American-made equipment to transfer that to Ukraine, Baltic countries, and we are continuing to do everything that we can with other partners to help you provide for your defence. At the same time, I’m convinced that the work that we are doing together to bring the countries – not just in Europe but beyond Europe – together in making very clear to Russia that if it commits renewed aggression against Ukraine, there will be “massive consequences.”  This is what the G7 countries said together. The European Union, NATO, the power of our solidarity will have an impact,” stressed Anthony Blinken.

The Foreign Minister of Germany Annalena Baerbock pointed out that her country looks at providing an assistance package to Ukraine. “We are looking at every request because we are standing side by side with you and your citizens. That’s why, when you asked for helmets, we were looking at how many helmets we could deliver.  I’m sorry it was only 5,000.  We have now a new list.  We look at the new list, what we have, what we can do.  And I think it’s really good that we have a frank and open exchange about this kind of thing all together. I truly believe that financial support is as important as the support with regard to security,” she said.

At his meetings in Munich Klitschko underlined that Ukrainians would fight for their country, their cities and their families. But the world must recognise how important the help is for Ukraine now. Only joint efforts and efficient assistance of all democratic countries can curb the aggressor who has already ruined European security. 

On Friday evening, February 18 Klitschko returned to Kyiv.