Russian former ice hockey player Andrey Kovalenko is facing criticism for his public support of the annexation of Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories. Kovalenko, who has played for both the Russian national team and in the NHL, expressed his views on the matter during a recent interview with a Russian media outlet.

Kovalenko's comments have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with many expressing concern over the glorification of territorial expansion and violation of international law.