Nikita Zadorov fears returning to Russia after criticizing Putin

Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov has stated that he does not feel safe returning to his native Russia due to his public opposition to President Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine.

Zadorov, a Moscow native, has been vocal about his stance since 2023, including sharing social media posts with the message “No War.” He expressed concern for the young soldiers being sent to the conflict and noted that the current political regime makes a return to his home country impossible for him at this time.

Speaking on the Cam & Strick podcast, the 31-year-old athlete explained that while his wife’s family remains in Russia and visits North America, he avoids returning to avoid the legal risks posed by new Russian laws. He remarked, “I probably can’t go back [to Russia] anytime soon until Putin isn’t the president or that regime is [no longer] there,” adding that he now considers Florida his home.