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Calgary Flames defenseman and Russia native Nikita Zadorov has spoken out against the invasion of Ukraine.
On Friday, he sat down for a lengthy interview about his thoughts on Russia's actions, saying, "Sorry for all the young guys."
"I’m sorry," Zadorov told Russian journalist Yury Dud. "Instead of raising the new generation, we sent them to die."
Zadorov's Instagram account features a pinned post that says "NO WAR."
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Nikita Zadorov of the Calgary Flames skates with the puck during the second period of an NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena March 31, 2023, in Vancouver. (Derek Cain/Getty Images)
Zadorov also noted he believed it was important for him to be vocal about his opposition to the invasion.
He suggested that many people share sentiments similar to his but they "don't have a voice to speak out."
Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau, left, and defenseman Nikita Zadorov celebrate after defeating the Dallas Stars in overtime NHL playoff hockey in Calgary May 15, 2022. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press via AP)
"I think, hopefully, I can change something in this world," Zadorov said. "It just sucks what’s going on over there right now. I think it’s just important to be vocal."
At one point during the two-hour interview, Zadorov revealed the war in Ukraine would sometimes be discussed in a group chat he was in with fellow Russian hockey players.
According to Zadorov, there was not necessarily a consensus on the invasion, with some players expressing support and others opposed to the conflict. He stopped short of offering any specific players' names.
Nikita Zadorov of the Calgary Flames in action against the Anaheim Ducks during a game at Scotiabank Saddledome April 2, 2023, in Calgary. (Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Zadorov said the Flames had a game against the Vancouver Canucks the day of the February 2022 invasion.
Zadorov noted that his family is still in Russia, and he is aware his remarks could have consequences. The NHL player said he does not have immediate plans to return to his native country.
"I probably can’t go back anytime soon until Putin isn’t the president or that regime is still there," Zadorov said. "So, I can’t go back to my home country, but Florida is home for me right now. So, I’m enjoying my time over there."
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Zadorov has one year remaining on his deal with the Flames. The 28-year-old scored 14 goals in 82 games during the 2022-23 season.
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