Alex Ovechkin issued an anti-war statement on Friday in his first comments after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Please, no more war. He said that it doesn't matter who is in the war, we have to live in peace.
Over the years, he has been an ardent supporter of Putin. He started a social media movement called Putin Team in order to support Putin, and he posed for a picture with him.
When asked Friday if he supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he said he is Russian. It is not something I can control. It is not in my possession. I hope it ends soon and there will be peace in both countries. I do not control this one.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a hard situation for him.
It is a hard situation. It is hard to see the war in Russia and Ukraine. I hope soon it will be over and there will be peace in the world, he said.
Their family has been in Moscow. He wouldn't say if his family will stay in Russia.
I have family in Russia. It is scary. We can not do anything. He said they hope it ends soon and everyone will be fine.
He indicated that he was aware of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
I pay attention to what is happening. I don't want to see people die. I hope it is over and we are going to live in a good world.
In the past, Oviechkin has said that he has a good relationship with Putin, who is an avid hockey fan.
He respects me as an athlete, and he respects all the athletes who represent the country. He always has a good relationship with us if you represent the country in the Olympics or the world championship.
In the past, Ovechkin has claimed that his support for Putin is not politically based. He said the same thing when he was asked about that support.
He is my president. I am not in politics. I am an athlete. I hope everything is done soon. It is a difficult situation for both sides.
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