Alex Ovechkin did not speak to reporters before Thursday’s loss to the Rangers, as the Capitals star was not made available to the media after his home country of Russia invaded Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Ovechkin did speak to the media on Friday afternoon, and fielded a number of questions about the invasion, his previous and outgoing support of Vladimir Putin, and if he supports Putin’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
“Obviously it’s a hard situation,” Ovechkin said. “I have lots of friends in Russia and Ukraine. It’s hard to see the war. I hope it’s going to be over soon and there’s going to be peace in the whole world.”
Ovechkin hasn’t been shy of his support of Putin in the past, and when asked if he supports Putin’s act of invasion, which has already resulted in the loss of lives, Oveckhin reiterated his desire for the violence to end soon.
“Well, he’s my president, but I’m not in politics,” Ovechkin said. “I’m an athlete. I hope everything is going to be done soon. It’s a sad situation right now for both sides.
“It’s hard. I have family back in Russia and it’s scary moments, but we can’t do anything. We just hope it’s going to end soon and everything is going to be alright.”
Ovechkin was asked about other Russian athletes who have been outspoken in their opposition to war, and the 36-year-old responded with a plea for peace.
“Please, no more war,” Ovechkin said. “It doesn’t matter who is in the war. Russia, Ukraine, different countries. I think we have to live in peace.”
Ovechkin also added, “I’m Russian, right? Sometimes something I can’t control, It’s not in my hands. I hope it’s going to end soon and there is going to be peace in both countries. I don’t control this one.
“I don’t want to see anybody get hurt or killed. I hope it’s going to be over and we’re going to live in a new world.”