Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala and other government leaders have condemned threats from Russian officials against former NHL goaltender Dominik Hasek for speaking out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war, Hasek, 60, has been an outspoken critic, which has earned him the backing of his nation’s government. 

On Wednesday, The Associated Press reported that Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Head of Russia’s Security Council, led by President Vladimir Putin had posed threats against the former goaltender, saying that Hasek “should be careful while crossing roads and should not drink beer in unverified places,” and has suffered from “Russophobia.”

“Dmitry Medvedev’s threats against Dominik Hasek are absolutely unacceptable. However, they are not surprising from their author,” Fiala added on X. “This once again confirms the aggressive and dangerous nature of Russian politics.”

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also added his backing for Hasek, saying, “This time attacking NHL legend Dominik Hasek simply for speaking the truth — the truth about Russia’s war and the misuse of sports in promoting it. Such intimidation may be normal in Putin’s Russia, not in the civilized world!”

A six-time Vezina Trophy winner, Hasek helped lead Czechia to a pair of Olympic medals, including a gold medal at the Nagano 1998 and bronze at Torino 2006. In the NHL, he played 735 regular-season games and won two Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002 and 2008, also spending time with the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, and Ottawa Senators throughout his 16-year career. 

As an outspoken critic since the Russian invasion, Hasek has shared his opinions on a variety of topics, including the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions and professional leagues, including but not limited to the Olympics and NHL, alleging their inclusion promotes the war and enables human suffering.