Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin issued an anti-war assertion Friday in his first feedback following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“Please, no extra conflict. It does not matter who’s at conflict – Russia, Ukraine, totally different nations – we now have to reside in peace,” he mentioned, following the practices of the capitals.
Ovechkin, 36, has been a staunch supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin through the years. In 2017, he campaigned on behalf of Putin by making a social media motion referred to as Putin’s Workforce, writing, “I’ve by no means hidden my angle towards our president, and all the time publicly help him.” His Instagram profile image exhibits him in a photograph with Putin.
When requested on Friday if he helps Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this week, Ovechkin mentioned, “I am Russian, proper? It isn’t one thing I can management. It isn’t in my palms. I hope it ends quickly and there will probably be peace in each nations. I do not management.” On this. “
He mentioned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a “troublesome state of affairs” for him.
“Clearly it’s a troublesome state of affairs. I’ve a number of pals in Russia and Ukraine, and it’s troublesome to see the conflict. I hope it’s going to finish quickly and there will probably be peace in the entire world,” he mentioned.
Ovechkin’s spouse, kids and fogeys had been in Moscow. Ovechkin didn’t affirm whether or not his household would stay in Russia.
“A household has returned to Russia. It is a scary second. We won’t do something. We simply hope it ends quickly and everyone seems to be OK,” he mentioned.
Ovechkin famous that he was conscious of the interval earlier than Russia invaded Ukraine.
“I am listening to what is going on on there. I do not need to see anybody get harm or killed. I hope it ends and we’ll reside in a great world.”
Ovechkin has mentioned prior to now that he has a great relationship with Putin, is a hockey fan and participant.
“He respects me as an athlete, respects all of the athletes who characterize the nation,” Ovechkin mentioned in 2017. “It doesn’t matter the place you play, in Russia or exterior Russia. Should you characterize a rustic on the Olympics, the world championship or regardless of which championship is all the time [has a] Good relationship with us.”
Prior to now, Ovechkin has supported Putin whereas claiming that the help shouldn’t be politically primarily based. He took an identical place on Friday when requested about this help.
“He is my boss. However like I mentioned, I am not in politics. I am an athlete. I hope all the things will probably be achieved quickly. It is a troublesome state of affairs now for each side,” Ovechkin mentioned.
