Ukraine’s Yushchenko Appoints Boxer Klichko His Aide

KIEV, Ukraine -- Ukraine’s newly elected president Viktor Yushchenko has appointed WBC heavyweight boxing world champion Vitaly Klichko his aide.

Klichko, who supported Yushchenko during the controversial presidential elections was not appointed to the permanent staff.



Both Klichko brothers, Vitaly and Vladimir, also a boxing champion, participated in the “orange revolution” that burst on to the streets of the Ukrainian capital Kiev after the Central Election Commission declared Yuschenko’s rival, pro-Kremlin candidate Viktor Yanukovich, winner.

Vladimir took part in opposition rallies, and Vitaly helped Yushchenko prepare for televised debates with Yanukovich before the rerun.

Vitaly Klichko even wanted to wear orange shorts with the inscription “Yushchenko, tak!” (Yes to Yushchenko!).

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, the frontman of the popular rock band “Okean Elzi” (Elsa’s Ocean), is another famous Ukrainian figure to be appointed a Yushchenko aide.