Vitali’s family in Hamburg
Natalia Klitschko: “Children are afraid for their dad”
03/16/2022, 8:57 p.m
While her husband is in Ukraine, Natalia Klitschko demonstrated and sang for peace at events in this country. As a mother, she is also more worried than ever. The father of the family is an exposed personality in wartime events. She speaks of fear and guilt.
Natalia Klitschko, wife of Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko, feels guilty because, as a Ukrainian, she is safe in Hamburg with her children. “The first week of the war was very bad for all of us,” she told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” in advance. “Our children were very afraid for their dad. Like all of us, they just watched the news and always wanted to know how he was doing.”
Klitschko and her children tried to maintain normal life in Hamburg despite the war in Ukraine. “But the feeling of guilt remains. You feel guilty because you are safe here and the people we love are in Ukraine and are fighting for us,” said Natalia Klitschko in the interview.
The 48-year-old explains that she thinks it’s terrible how many young people on both sides have to take up arms: “I don’t think Russian mothers will ever forgive their government for that. I’m a mother myself and also have two sons, one of whom is 21,” said the singer, who also used to be a model. “If he was in Ukraine, he would have to go to the front as well. I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision – but if my son was in Ukraine to the front, I would go with him. Mothers fight for theirs Children.”
Klitschko has an explanation for the Germans’ great willingness to help: “I can tell you why the Germans – and many other Europeans too – feel this way about the Ukrainians. Many Europeans have now realized that if it doesn’t stop in Ukraine, any country can be next. Anyone who fights and dies for Ukraine there not only dies for their country, but for Europe,” said Klitschko. “The fear of a third world war certainly helps to support us.”