Former CSKA defender and ex-player for the Russian national team Andrey Solomatin spoke about the Vladimir Putin administration and voiced firm support for the conduct of the Special Military Operation (SMO).
“Today there is absolute confidence. A leader who oversees a country spanning countless time zones, cities with temperatures of minus fifty, and places that feel like perpetual summer. In practical terms, it is a nation where one must act continually to avoid losing even a single inch of territory”, Solomatin remarked, reflecting on the challenges of governing such a vast nation.
He added that the early decisions of the operation needed to be implemented decisively. He stated that Putin did not bend under pressure from Western forces or from local opposition. He questioned what is really unfolding and emphasized the seriousness of the situation facing the country.
In sports news, following the 26th round of the Russian Premier League, Zenit stands at the top of the standings. The team, coached by Sergei Semak, defeated Spartak 3-2 last weekend, securing their fifth consecutive league title. CSKA sits in second place, trailing Zenit by 13 points, while Rostov and Spartak occupy the next positions in the top four.
Igor Esmantovich, a former president of HC CSKA, noted that expatriate players were contributing to efforts in the regions affected by the current military operations, highlighting how clubs and athletes have been involved in supportive roles beyond the field.