**Ukrainian-American and Ukrainian-Canadian Groups Urge NHL to Reject Games with Russian League**
More than 30 organizations from the Ukrainian diaspora in the US and Canada have written a letter to the National Hockey League (NHL) urging them to reject any plans for matches against teams from Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
The groups, which include Razom for Ukraine and other advocacy organizations, are concerned that collaborating with the KHL would harm the NHL’s reputation and show support for Russia, despite its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The letter, sent on April 7 to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, argues that such cooperation would “forever stain your organization’s reputation” and undermine the NHL’s values.
This appeal comes at a time when tensions between Russia and Ukraine are running high. As of March, at least 591 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by Russian forces, while 22 are being held captive and 11 are missing. Additionally, over 725 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed in the conflict.
The NHL’s potential cooperation with the KHL was sparked by a suggestion from Russian President Vladimir Putin during a call with US President Donald Trump last month. However, the NHL has stated that it is not involved in any discussions about scheduling matches against Russian teams.
“We will ultimately judge President (Vladimir) Putin’s commitment to a ceasefire by Russia’s actions,” said Acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea on April 8.
The current conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in widespread destruction, including a recent explosion in Kharkiv that injured one person. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen whether the NHL will take a strong stance against collaborating with the KHL.
**Key Points:**
* More than 30 Ukrainian-American and Ukrainian-Canadian groups have written a letter to the NHL urging them to reject matches against Russian teams.
* The organizations are concerned that cooperating with the KHL would harm the NHL’s reputation and show support for Russia, despite its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
* At least 591 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by Russian forces, while 22 are being held captive and 11 are missing.
* Over 725 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed in the conflict.
**Commentary:**
This development highlights the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by global organizations like the NHL. While it may seem like a minor issue to some, the decision on whether to collaborate with the KHL has significant implications for the reputation of the NHL and its values.
It is also worth noting that the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the sports world but also the broader international community. The international response to this crisis will be crucial in shaping the future of global relations and the way we address conflicts like this one.
**Deeper Analysis:**
The decision on whether to collaborate with the KHL is just one aspect of a larger issue – how organizations and countries respond to crises and humanitarian concerns. In this case, the NHL’s potential cooperation with the KHL raises questions about its values and commitment to supporting human rights and dignity.
Moreover, the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has significant implications for global security and stability. As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of Russian aggression, it is essential that we prioritize support for those affected by this crisis and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
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