Fans expressed their indignation after US President Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin’s proposal for NHL-KHL hockey matches in the midst of Russia-Ukraine tensions. Trump’s alleged support has caused the Ukrainian communities living in the United States and Canada.
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Fans expressed a strong disapproval after US President Donald Trump supported the Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion to renew the ice hockey matches between the two nations. This comes in the middle of the current tensions caused by the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Kremlin said that during a telephone call between Trump and Putin on March 18, the American leader supported Putin’s idea to organize a hockey match involving Russian and American players playing in the National Hockey League clubs (NHL) and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Trump’s support for Putin’s hockey proposal stimulates the upper way
Trump’s supported support for Putin’s idea has led to significant reactions, in particular Ukrainian communities living in Canada and the United States. The White House, in its press release after the call between Trump and Putin, mentioned nothing of hockey.
Despite this, more than 30 Ukrainian-American and Ukrainian-Canadian groups urged the NHL to reject any partnership with the Russian KHL, arguing that the organization of such matches would be deeply disrespectful towards millions of fans and those directly affected by the actions of Russia in Ukraine.
A joint declaration of these groups said: “We call you to reject any collaboration between NHL and KHL or all competition between players in the league. Such initiatives would forever color the reputation of your organization, would facilitate the wider reintegration of the Russian Federation in the world’s sports bodies, underlies the NHL.
#Firstsports: US President Donald Trump and Russian President Russian President Vladimir Putin resumes the NHL-KHL ice hockey rivalry faced resistance. Ukrainian fans are upset and urged the NHL to reject the Russian offer. What side will the NHL take? @rupharamani tells you. pic.twitter.com/xnxwsemkaw
– Firstpost (@firstpost) April 9, 2025
The backdrop of their indignation includes serious victims in the sports community of Ukraine. According to recent figures, at least 591 Ukrainian athletes and coaches lost their lives, 22 have been captured, 11 remain missing and around 725 sports facilities have suffered damage due to the war.
The NHL has not yet adopted a final position with regard to pressure from the Ukrainian community living in Canada and the United States, where they benefit from massive support from the fans of these groups.
“We have just become aware of the conversation between President Trump and President Putin. Obviously, we were not part of these discussions, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment at that time,” said a NHL spokesperson who would have been cited to Reuters.
Russia’s international sports activities have been seriously limited since its invasion of Ukraine. Global organizations such as FIFA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Ice Hockey (IIHF) federation imposed strict sanctions in the country after the start of the war in February 2022.
The NHL itself has suspended links with Russian business partners and has stopped its digital and social presence in the Russian language. However, Russian players continued to play in the leagues in Canada and the United States even after the war.
On March 12, 2024, there were 146 Russian players active in the NHL. Recently, Russian hockey star Alexander Ovechkin has become the top scorer of all NHL time.
