He said this during the first conversation with Russian journalists as the US ambassador to Russia. The conversation took place during the regular KHL match between Dynamo and Spartak in Moscow.
Sullivan noted that for many decades he was a fan of Soviet and Russian hockey.
“It’s very interesting for me, but I think it’s also a useful way to“ break the ice ”and start a conversation, literally, start a conversation about all the interests and common values that we have - Americans and Russians ... I already asked about "hockey diplomacy." This is a game. But this is also what is common to Americans, Russians, Canadians, Germans, Finns, we all love this game, ”added Sullivan.
The ambassador also admitted that his favorite hockey player is Alexander Ovechkin. In his opinion, Ovechkin is the best player in the world.
On January 16, John Sullivan arrived in Moscow.