Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a series of hockey games between American and Russian players as a way to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries. This move is seen as a way for Putin to end Russia’s pariah status, both politically and in the world of sports. The suggestion comes amidst a warming of relations between Russia and the United States under President Donald Trump’s second term.
The idea of using sports, specifically hockey, as a means of diplomacy is not new. This tactic has been used in the past to help normalize relations between adversaries, as seen in the “Summit Series” between the Soviet Union and Canada in 1972. The Kremlin sees the potential hockey games as a way to generate a sense of camaraderie and partnership between the two populations.
However, the proposed games face legal challenges, as Russian athletes have been banned from various competitions due to allegations of state-sponsored doping and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The International Ice Hockey Federation, which governs major hockey competitions, banned Russian athletes as a result.
While the NHL has not officially commented on the proposal, experts are skeptical about the games actually coming to fruition due to legal complications and political posturing. Overall, Putin’s suggestion is seen as a way to advance Russia’s goals of ending diplomatic isolation and rejoining major sporting competitions.
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