In response to Russia's war in Ukraine, over two dozen humanitarian and community organizations have urged the NHL to reject any sporting collaborations with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). The letter argues that engaging with the KHL would help reintegrate a league closely linked to the Russian authoritarian regime and its propaganda apparatus, thereby indirectly legitimizing the Kremlin's war crimes.

During a recent phone conversation, President Donald Trump supported President Vladimir Putin's idea to organize international hockey games between U.S. and Russian leagues, implicitly bringing the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) into a highly politicized arena. This event draws attention to the league's association with authoritarian political figures and raises questions about its role in furthering narratives that could support fascist or far‑right ideologies.