NHL player Nikita Zadorov speaks out against Russian invasion of Ukraine, says it’s 'important to be vocal'

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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.

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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