2023-09-22 23:32:10
Nikita Zadorov persists and signs, two days after condemning the Russian invasion in Ukraine during an interview with YouTuber Yuri Dud.
Despite the potential public repercussions of such comments, Zadorov has not retracted his comments. He also admitted that he expected a “return” from Moscow, but that nothing has happened so far.
“In the last two days I received a lot of messages from Russians, Ukrainians, Czechs, Finns, Swedes, from all over Europe, who showed me their support,” Zadorov said after the Flames skated Friday morning.
“I would say that on my Instagram, 99.9% of the messages are positive. I know that Russia has a system of bots which makes it take two or three days to send negative reviews, so I expect them to come to my page too. »
Zadorov is the first NHL player to openly criticize the Russian regime and its attacks on Ukraine. The Flames defenseman has thought through his actions and is taking advantage of his platform to try to make a difference.
“I think it’s important for me to express myself personally,” said Zadorov, who pinned a “NO WAR” message to his Instagram account.
“I think I can change something in this world. It’s difficult what’s happening there right now and it’s important to speak out. »
Asked during the Dud interview about Alex Ovechkin, who has often been alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zadorov said he respects the Capitals captain as a hockey player, but he did not agree with his political ideas.
“I’m not going to name names, but there are a lot of young people who think like me, but they don’t have a voice, so I hope they feel supported by me,” Zadorov said.
Zadorov revealed that both his parents live in Russia and do not agree with their son’s actions.
“I only have parents there and they are on the other side of the fence,” he said Friday. We will leave it there. I probably won’t be able to go back anytime soon until Putin is president or the regime is in place, but Florida is my home now and I’m enjoying my time there. »
In an interview with Dod, Zadorov said: “The 23 years with this president, in addition to the nine others before him? I hope this will end. »
“I hope that Russia will become a democratic country with a vigorous economy, not a kleptocracy,” he added, referring to a political system where corruption, often within the family, is the norm.
Zadorov made this outing almost at the same time that, in Ottawa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech in the House of Commons to thank Canada for its support of his country as it defends itself against the Russian invasion.
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