Trump Supports Putin's USA-Russia Hockey Proposal

During a recent phone conversation, President Donald Trump expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to organize hockey games between American and Russian players from the NHL and KHL. Despite Russia's ongoing ban from international competitions due to its invasion of Ukraine, Trump is reportedly in favor of these matches occurring on U.S. and Russian soil. The NHL, having suspended relations with Russian entities since 2022, stated it had not been consulted on this matter and refrained from commenting. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has extended Russia and Belarus's ban from events through the 2025-26 season due to security concerns, leaving the decision regarding their participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics to the International Olympic Committee. The idea of these games is seen as a diplomatic gesture amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.