He spent years playing and coaching hockey alongside Russians. Then Putin invaded Ukraine

Oleksandr Matviychuk, once a hockey player and coach who shared the ice with many Russians, now fights for Ukraine after Putin's invasion. He was gravely injured in action last year, leading to a grueling year of reconstructive surgeries. This personal story highlights the human toll of the conflict and underscores the deep connections that cross international boundaries, even in sports. His journey from the rink to the battlefield reveals the profound impact of geopolitical events on individual lives.