Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin addresses Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, pleads for peace

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin issued an anti-war assertion on Friday in his first feedback following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Please, no extra battle. It would not matter who’s within the battle — Russia, Ukraine, completely different international locations — we’ve got to stay in peace,” he mentioned following the Capitals’ observe.

Ovechkin, 36, has been an ardent supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin through the years. In 2017, he campaigned on behalf of Putin by beginning a social media motion referred to as Putin Workforce, writing, “I by no means made a secret of my perspective towards our president, at all times overtly supporting him.” His Instagram profile photo options him posing with Putin.

When requested Friday whether or not 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’ll finish quickly and there is going to be peace in each international locations. I do not management this one.”

He mentioned the invasion of Ukraine by Russia is “a tough state of affairs” for him.

“Clearly, it is a onerous state of affairs. I’ve a lot of mates in Russia and Ukraine, and it is onerous to see the battle. I hope quickly it’ll be over and there is going to be peace in the entire world,” he mentioned.

Ovechkin’s spouse, kids and fogeys have been in Moscow. Ovechkin would not verify whether or not his household will keep in Russia.

“I’ve household again in Russia. It is scary moments. We will not do something. We simply hope it’ll finish quickly and everybody’s going to be all proper,” he mentioned.

Ovechkin indicated he had been conscious of the run-up to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

“I take note of what’s taking place on the market. I do not wish to see no one get damage or get killed. I hope it’ll be over and we’ll stay in an excellent world.”

Ovechkin has mentioned previously that he has an excellent relationship with Putin, who’s an avid hockey fan and participant.

“He respects me as an athlete, and he respects all of the athletes who signify the nation,” Ovechkin said in 2017. “It would not matter the place you play, in Russia or outdoors Russia. For those who signify nation in Olympic Video games, world championship or it would not matter which match, he at all times [has a] good relationship with us.”

Prior to now, Ovechkin has supported Putin whereas claiming that assist is not politically based mostly. He struck an analogous stance on Friday when requested about that assist.

“He is my president. However like I mentioned, I am not in politics. I am an athlete. I hope every part goes to be executed quickly. It is a onerous state of affairs proper now for each side,” Ovechkin mentioned.