(Calgary) Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov publicly opposed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Friday, revealing in passing that not all Russian NHL players had been able to agree on a common position shortly after the start of the war, more than a year and a half ago.
During a press scrum in Calgary, Zadorov, who is of Russian origin, confided that he probably cannot return to his native country as long as Vladimir Putin remains president.
“I think it’s important for me to take a stand personally,” Zadorov said. I hope it can bring a little change to this world. »
He also added that his parents, who still live in Russia, do not share his opinion regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
“It’s just sad to see what’s going on out there right now. I think it’s important to talk about it loud and clear. »
During his interview with host Yury Dod, Zadorov mentioned that it was Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky who started the discussion, which however ended without consensus.
“We had a group chat. The discussions were in both directions,” Zadorov clarified on Friday.
“There were guys who were against it, others who were for it. I won’t name names, because we play in the same league and I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, but I can tell you that there were several young people who thought like me. continued the defender.
“They just don’t have the same scope as me to take a stand like I’m doing right now, but I hope they feel my support. »
Zadorov, 28, was born in Moscow but now spends his summers in Miami. He was drafted in the first round by the Flames in the 2013 auction.
In an interview with Dod, Zadorov said: “The 23 years with this president, plus the other nine before him… I hope it ends. »
“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.
Since the interview was broadcast on YouTube, which had already been viewed more than 1.6 million times as of Friday evening, Zadorov has received messages from all over the world.
“I received many messages from Russia, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, in short from all over Europe,” he detailed on Friday.
“On Instagram, 99% of the messages are positive, but I know Russia has a bot system that allows negative messages to be sent, so I expect to start receiving them within two or three days. »
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.