Vitaly Klitschko begins training in Ukraine's army

The former world champion in the heavyweight category in boxing, Vitaly Klitschko, who is currently head of Kiev, has joined the Ukrainian Army and has asked other officials to do the same.

The 50-year-old has started training with Ukrainian military reserveists amid mounting tensions between his country and Russia.

Many of us have carried out military service and had to return. I think such training is essential for high-level and middle-level officials of a country that has been at war for almost eight years”, Klitschko said of the Daily Telegraph.

The former lock-up has hinted of past conflicts in Ukraine, after which the Crime region was unilaterally annexed by Russia in 2014.

Meanwhile, in recent weeks, Kiev has accused Moscow of gathering tens of thousands of soldiers close to Ukraine in preparation for a possible offensive.

On the other hand, Russia has denied that it is in preparation for any attacks, but has accused Ukraine and the United States of destabilizing behaviour and sought guarantees against NATO's eastward expansion.

Along with football legend Andriy Shevchenko and his brother, Wladimir, Klitschko is one of the most popular athletes in Ukraine.