On Thursday the media requested his availability to answer questions regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On Friday Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin met with media in Philadelphia, where the team is preparing for their game against the Flyers on Saturday.
“Obviously it’s a hard situation. You know, I have lots of friends in Russia and Ukraine, And it’s hard to see the war. I hope soon it’s gonna be over. It’s gonna be peace in the whole world,” said Ovechkin following the team’s practice at the Wells Fargo Center.
When asked if he supported Russia and the invasion of the Ukraine, Ovechkin said “I’m Russian, right. Sometimes, something I can’t control. You know, it’s not in my hands. I hope it’s gonna end soon and there’s gonna be peace in both countries.”
Regarding Ovechkin’s vocal support for Putin in the past, Ovechkin said “Well, he’s my president, like I said I’m not in politics. I’m an athlete. Hope everything is gonna be done soon. It’s a hard situation right now for both sides. Hope everything is going to be end. I’m not in control of the situation.”
Ovechkin was asked what goes through his mind when he sees the images of the war on television. “It’s hard. It’s a hard situation. I have family back in Russia. It’s scary moments. We can’t do anything, we just hope it’s gonna be end soon, and everything’s gonna be alright.”
Ovechkin was asked how close he followed the situation in Ukraine over the past 48 hours and the lead up to the invasion. “Like I said, my family over there. Of course I pay attention what’s happening out there. I don’t wanna see nobody get hurt, nobody get killed. Hope it’s gonna be over and we’re gonna be living in a good world.”
Ovechkin’s wife and two sons returned to Russia at the beginning of February. He was asked what his plans for them were. “It’s a hard question, because it just happened a couple days ago. We’ll see what’s gonna happen.”
Finally, Ovechkin was asked what his message was, considering other athletes have stated “no more war”. He was concise in his repossessed. “Please, no more war. It doesn’t matter who’s in the war, Russia, Ukraine, different countries, I think we live in a world, we have to live in peace, great world.”
Here is the full interview with the Capitals captain.
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin media availability after practice in Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/y2gxFpV3CL
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 25, 2022
Well, not exactly a hard hitting press conference. One, two people from the media?
When Ovie going on Dancing with the Stars???? All he did was WALTZ around real questions being asked of him!! God forbid if Biden asks that All Russians working in US not to leave country until situation comes to a finsh,if Ovie leaves he might not be back. With this unanswered question looks like he’s grooming himself as future GM of Caps!
Tough spot for the Captain, but yeah, not a lot to this. The U.S. politics point is ridiculous, though.
That’s a bit of a stretch, no?
Scott, good points. Surely Putin consulted Ovi on what to do next. I bet Putin called his buddy Trump too. I’m sure that’s on your mind.
You mean his buddy Trump who he was afraid of crossing and would never invade Ukraine if he was in office? Buddy trump.. man the media has done a number on people. If they were so close… why didn’t he invade Ukraine when Trump was in office for four years?? Only happened under Obama.. then Biden, hmmm. Either THEY are his actual buddies or they are just weaklings.
??
Abkhazia, Transnistria, and South Ossetia were all campaigns conducted under GOP (the former two spanned GOP and Dem presidents).
It’s amazing how many epidemiologists suddenly became Russia experts overnight, without learning the language, history, etc.
Softball questions from two members of Washington media
He’s russian,, of course he supports his country. I’m sure most russians feel this is a civil dispute and outside countries need to stay out. CHINA is killing people in drows in Hong Kong and along Tibet border but no one says a thing. No sanctions against China. OH wait the democrats are getting rich off them.
Who’s to know what his real feelings are—whether pro or anti-Putin, but he’s in a tough spot. If he is anti-Putin, is he really going to say anything other than bland, middle of the road platitudes?
We’re talking about an authoritarian who is thin skinned as much as our own former president was and is. And both are vindictive and willing to go out of there way to punish their critics. So if Putin cozies up to Ovi and makes him a national hero the face of Russian hockey, is Ovi really going to say no and distance himself from the guy?
I dunno. Like everyone else, I’m angry and hate seeing what’s going on by the Kremlin and Putin, but I dunno if Ovi is a blind loyalist or someone who’s just doing self preservation.
Protected environment for sure. Two Capitals beat writers. Imagine if they let the Pholly press in the room?
Yea he should have blasted Putin endangering his family and bank account. Trade him and all the other Russian players. Bring back Holtby as player coach, Ward as GM. Please.
That’s quite a list.
It’s absolutely despicable that the capitals would ask him to comment about this. They allowed this conference to happen and in doing so put him and his family who are still in Russia at risk. These journalists don’t understand that there’s no free speech in Russia. The freedoms we have in the United States aren’t shared in other countries, especially Russia. They allowed to put the figurehead of the organization, someone who’s given soo much to DC, NHL, and the world in real danger. Completely reprehensible behavior from the organization and media. They should be ashamed of themselves.
Sooo… he won’t condemn him. That’s blatantly obvious. Just hopes no one dies(they already have). And it’s over soon. Pretty vague. Hopes the invasion is over soon??
Alex ovechkin is hockey player , but he is Russian , but he is not into politics, he just happens to work in the states in Washington. What is he supposed to do condemn putin and put his parents and family at risk ? Ridiculous Ovie plays hockey and that is it and he does damn well even into his Twilight years. Back off, let him be. He is a good hearted soul , a few years ago he helped a homeless man in Edmonton and someone reported it and he was embarrassed to talk about it, that is Ovechkin , God Bless him. My name is Jay Chelliah and I live in Edmonton.
I can’t stomach this media, like Ovie said , I’m an Athlete, it’s not in my hands, that should of been enough…where are all these so called journalists when it comes to Hunter Biden and China, or the bidens and Ukraine? CRICKETS!!!
If you think this invasion has anything to do with Hunter Biden then you’re fucking bonkers.
+1 ^
and funny how unsubstantiated stories about Biden is more concerning to you than the attack on the US Capitol by neo Nazis, and white nationalist extremist groups.
If you want to be a high profile athlete you will be asked these type of questions. The best athletes are role models. Guess Ovie doesn’t fit that category. He did not need to blast Putin, but if he can’t see how wrong what Russia is doing maybe all that celebrating after the cup burned too many brain cells.