Kyiv Mayor and former boxing champion Vitali Klitschko faced a direct question in an interview about why his adult children are not fighting in Ukraine’s war. Klitschko replied that his children have never lived in Ukraine, were born in the United States, and studied either in America or Europe. When the journalist returned to the question, Klitschko reiterated that he had already answered.
This topic draws attention particularly because Ukraine has been at war with Russia for years, and the question of politicians’ family members serving in the military is a sensitive issue in society.
“My children have never lived in Ukraine”
In the interview, Klitschko said his children were born in the United States and completed their studies outside Ukraine.
He emphasized that they have therefore never actually lived in Ukraine.
The former boxer has three adult children—two sons and a daughter. One son, Maxim, plays basketball and lives in the United States.
Klitschko also stressed that although he himself lived abroad for some time, he made the decision to come back and stay in Ukraine.
As previously reported by Aktualizovane.sk, during a massive attack on Kyiv, Klitschko declared a city-wide day of mourning for dozens of victims.
Journalist revisits the question
The discussion did not end there.
The journalist pointed out that part of the public is asking why ordinary citizens are fighting on the front lines while the children of some politicians remain abroad.
Pressed again, Klitschko maintained that he had already given his answer. He added that he knows families of entrepreneurs and politicians whose children are fighting at the front, as well as those whose children are abroad. According to him, it is therefore wrong to generalize.
Klitschko says he visits the front regularly
The Kyiv Mayor also stated that he visits the front approximately once a month.
He emphasized that no one forced him to return to Ukraine and that he chose to do so because his roots are there.
In the interview, he also referenced the saying that people making decisions about war should send their own children to the front. He described this idea as one he likes.
Ukraine is facing mounting pressure not only on the front lines but also in the air. As reported by Aktualizovane.sk, Kyiv has warned about a shortage of rockets for Patriot systems amid increased Russian attacks.
A sensitive question without a simple answer
Klitschko’s explanation that his children have never lived in Ukraine is his stated rationale.
The available statements do not indicate that the interview addressed their citizenship, possible military obligations, or legal status regarding Ukraine’s mobilization rules in detail.
Therefore, it would not be accurate to conclude from his answers whether his children were legally required to join the Ukrainian army.
The core political question remains highly sensitive: who bears the personal consequences of war, and are the same expectations applied to public officials’ families?
Source: 20 Minuten, statements by Vitali Klitschko, Photo AI illustrated
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
