Vitali Klitschko’s Journey from Boxing to Politics and War in Ukraine Explored

Vitali Klitschko, formerly known for his footwork in the boxing ring, now treads cautiously through the debris of a war-torn apartment building in Kyiv, stepping around the lifeless bodies left by a Russian missile attack. The ex-world heavyweight champion, now the mayor of Kyiv, recognizes the sanctity of the items strewn about the ruins—dusty photographs and torn pages from books that were once treasured by the residents who lived and perished there. This tragic scene sets the tone for the documentary Klitschko: More Than a Fight, capturing the complexity of Klitschko’s transition from boxer to politician.

The documentary depicts Vitali Klitschko’s journey as he pivots from a celebrated boxer to the mayor of Kyiv in 2014, a position he has held with successive re-elections. Vitali, the elder brother of fellow heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko, offers a juxtaposition to his more charismatic sibling. His stern demeanor, influenced by his father, who was a staunch Soviet military man, belies a kindness and dry humor underneath his tough exterior.

Vitali’s upbringing under the rigid ideologies of his father, Vladimir Klitschko, who participated in the Chernobyl disaster cleanup, reveals an intriguing narrative strand in the documentary. Vladimir’s unwavering Soviet beliefs led him to concoct a conspiracy theory, accusing the US government of attempting to turn his sons into anti-Soviet agents after their visit to meet boxing promoter Don King. These early experiences laid the foundation for the Klitschko brothers’ profound resilience.

The film, directed by Kevin MacDonald, delves into the Klitschkos’ brief yet illustrious boxing careers, primarily focusing on their political and personal lives. After a short exploration of Vitali and Wladimir’s time in the ring, the documentary shifts to their decision to decline a deal with Don King and instead sign with German promoters, setting the stage for their subsequent successes.

Vitali’s tenure as mayor during the Russian invasion is the centerpiece of the documentary. His efforts to guide Kyiv through this tumultuous period are chronicled in scenes that show him comforting grieving families and navigating the devastating impact of war. Despite moments of visible exhaustion and the emotional toll, Vitali’s dedication to his city is apparent. MacDonald asserts that Klitschko’s dedication is genuine, reflecting a profound, almost addictive, commitment to his political role.

The film captures personal moments that humanize the political figure, including glimpses into his family life. Wladimir’s quip, “You made my mother cry, you are in trouble,” while in their mother’s kitchen, contrasts with Vitali’s intense public persona. Conversations highlight the way Vitali has balanced his father’s severe parenting methods with his own approach, infusing warmth and empathy that his father lacked.

A notable dynamic in the documentary is the tense relationship between Vitali and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. While there is an implied desire for collaboration, past mockery from Zelensky and ongoing political friction strain their interactions. MacDonald defends the inclusion of this discord, emphasizing its significance in portraying the real political landscape in Ukraine.

Vitali has faced criticisms, including his decision to invest in rebuilding parks and public spaces during a time of war, arguing that restoring normalcy is part of the war effort. Despite differing opinions among Kyiv residents, Vitali firmly believes that these initiatives are integral to returning to a semblance of normal life.

One of the film’s pivotal moments addresses the tragic incident involving a locked bomb shelter during a Russian attack, leading to the deaths of a child and her mother. Zelensky implicated Vitali, but Vitali’s administration provided documentation attributing the failure to Zelensky’s oversight.

The question of whether Vitali aspires to be president is left open-ended. Despite the pressures and criticisms of his current role, his sense of duty to Ukraine prevails, suggesting that his political journey may still have further milestones ahead.

Klitschko: More Than a Fight is available to stream on Sky and NOW from 15 August.

Source: Sky