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