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Alex Ovechkin Calls For “No More War” Amid Russian Attacks

BSabitt
Washington Capitals wing Alex Ovechkin called for "no more war" amid Vladimir Putin and Russia's attack on Ukraine all throughout the week

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 17: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) warms up prior to the start of a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Washington Capitals on February 17, 2018, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire)

Washington Capitals star, Alex Ovechkin, delivered a pointed messaged to his home country of Russia amid their attacks of Ukraine throughout the week.

Ovechkin — who has voiced his support of Russian president Vladimir Putin in the past — took the podium after Capitals practice on Friday to call for the end to violence going on around the world.

“Please, no more war,” Ovechkin said during a four-minute session with reporters after Washington’s practice Friday via Washington Post. “It doesn’t matter who is in the war — Russia, Ukraine, different countries, I think we live in a world, like, we have to live in peace and a great world.”

Alex Ovechkin was then asked if he still supports Vladimir Putin despite his antiwar sentiments shared throughout the presser.

“Well, he is my president,” Ovechkin said. “But … I am not in politics. I am an athlete, and you know, how I said, I hope everything is going to be done soon. It’s hard situation right now for both sides and everything, like how I said, everything I hope is going to be end. I’m not in control of this situation.”

Currently, Alex Ovechkin’s wife, children, and parents are living in Moscow. But the legendary winger couldn’t say whether they’ll remain there throughout the war.

“My family is over there. Of course I pay attention [to] what’s [happening] out there,” Ovechkin said. “I don’t want to see nobody get hurt, nobody get killed. How I said, I hope it’s going to be over and we’re going to be living in a good world.”

Other Ukrainian and Russian athletes around the country have spoken out against the attacks throughout the week, and I’m sure we’ll hear from more in the coming days.

Good for Alex Ovechkin to speak out on the violence going on in Ukraine right now.

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