Wladimir Klitschko said lasting peace in Ukraine can only be achieved if Russia is held accountable for its actions, emphasizing that justice and consequences for the aggressor are essential to ending the war. Speaking in interviews with Bulgarian National Television and bTV during his visit to Sofia, the former Olympic champion and two-time heavyweight world champion thanked Bulgaria for its continued support since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Klitschko said Ukraine's ability to resist the invasion has depended heavily on the backing of its international partners. “For success, you need allies,” he said. “I am very grateful to Bulgaria for the fact that in 2022, when the full-scale war in Ukraine began, thanks also to Bulgarian support with ammunition and energy resources, we resisted.” He added that the Black Sea creates a shared strategic interest for both countries, making regional stability a common priority. According to Klitschko, “it is important that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies so that we can maintain this peace together with Bulgaria in the Black Sea region.”
The boxing legend argued that any future settlement must include accountability for Russia's actions. “Only with consequences for the aggressor can there be peace in Ukraine,” he said, stressing that those responsible for crimes committed during the war must face justice. He added that peace cannot come without consequences “for every rape, for every murder, for everyone who gave the order for this to be done.”
