Famous Ukrainian professional boxers, the Klitschko brothers, are launching an international television campaign featuring world stars of sports, cinema, and music in support of Viktor Yushchenko, the country's presidential candidate. According to ITAR-TASS, citing the German publication Der Spiegel, the campaign on Ukrainian television channels will begin on Tuesday.
The Klitschko brothers called on two-time world football champion Franz Beckenbauer, tennis player Boris Becker, musicians Sting, Joe Cocker, Chris de Burgh, members of the bands Cranberries, Cure, and others to express words of support for Yushchenko.
"It is very important that international pressure continues," the younger of the brothers, Vladimir, said in an interview with the newspaper. "People have been rallying for a week and fighting for democracy and the holding of free elections. They need support."
Among the brothers, Vladimir has now taken on the main burden of political activity, since Vitali is in Las Vegas, USA, preparing to defend his world champion title according to the World Boxing Council against Britain's Danny Williams. The fight will take place on December 11 in New York.