Capitals’ captain Alex Ovechkin addresses Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
One day after Russian president Vladimir Putin launched an invasion on Ukraine, Russian star and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin addressed the subject on Friday with the media.
Putin’s unprovoked attack has resulted in numerous casualties, including more than 150 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians alone in the first day of fighting.
Ovechkin, 36, has previously been one of Putin’s most high-profile supporters, lending his name to the web site “PutinTeam.Ru,” where it says: “Hi, I’m hockey player Alexander Ovechkin. I created the Putin Team to unite those who are proud of Russia and our president, who want to make our country stronger.”
As of Friday, Ovechkin’s official Instagram profile page still features a photo of him with the Russian president.
When asked Friday if he still supports Putin, Ovechkin did not really provide an answer.
“Well, he’s my president,” Ovechkin said. “Like I said, I’m not in politics. I’m an athlete.”
He provided a similar answer when asked if he supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He acknowledged it’s a “hard situation.”
“I’m Russian, right,” said Ovechkin, “It’s something I can’t control, it’s not in my hands.”
Otherwise, Ovechkin kept his opinions pretty close to the vest. He mentioned that his family is currently back in Russia, including his wife, two children, and parents – and with uncertain plans as to if they’ll remain there.
“I have a family back in Russia,” Ovechkin said. “It’s scary moments.”
Ovechkin reiterated throughout his availability that he hopes for peace in both countries, and he attempted to remain neutral to any political discussion, saying he hopes everything is going to be “done soon.”
“Please, no more war,” Ovechkin said. “It doesn’t matter who is in the war – Russia, Ukraine, different countries – we have to live in peace.”