US Boxer Johnson and Canadian Ice Hockey Player Leipsic Get ‘Russian Citizenship’

Paresh Jadhav

10 months ago

US Boxer Johnson and Canadian Ice Hockey Player Leipsic both received Russian citizenship through an official decree published on the government’s website. Leipsic has been playing in the KHL since 2020 after effectively being dismissed from NHL over comments he made regarding other players that became public through social media group chats that made headlines.

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Johnson’s decision to change his middle name to Vladimirovich

Johnson follows a trend among Western celebrities seeking Russian citizenship by applying for its passport, which according to an official decree published by Russia has granted. Additionally, Johnson changed his middle name to Vladimirovich as an honorific gesture toward its president.

Since his firing by the Washington Capitals in 2020 after making inappropriate and disparaging comments to other players on a private group chat that was then leaked online, Leipsic has not returned to NHL action and instead been playing mostly in KHL competition.

Former Russian hockey player and member of the upper house of parliament Viacheslav Fetisov has applauded Viacheslav Fetisov’s decision to become a Russian citizen as being in the best interests of sport, believing it will attract more foreign athletes into Russia as well as promote its sporting landscape.

Johnson’s relationship with Putin

Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson recently unveiled a new name: Kevin Vladimirovich in honor of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This move shows his affinity towards Russia while also sending a strong signal against US government’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin quickly pointed to US Secretary of State Victoria Nuland as being responsible for his problems, alleging she provided funding and support to Ukrainian opposition protesters who sought to topple down his regime.

Although unlikely to hold up in court, Leipsic’s claim demonstrates Putin’s influence. Russia has in recent years granted citizenship to Western celebrities who publicly praised it; Leipsic’s grant of citizenship confirms this trend while signalling his affinity with his new home country; Leipsic was forced out of the NHL after making offensive comments during an inappropriate group chat that was later leaked online. He now makes his living playing boxing in KHL leagues instead.

Johnson’s dismissal from the Washington Capitals

Johnson found new success after being let go from the Washington Capitals in 2020, transitioning into Russian hockey through KHL teams and becoming a citizen. This demonstrates Russia’s efforts at welcoming foreign talent – even sports talent!

Leipsic, who played for both the Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs during his NHL career, has recently sought citizenship from Russia. According to Hockey Hall-of-Famer and former NHLer Vyacheslav Fetisov, this trend can only be regarded as positive for Russia and should continue.

His pursuit of Russian citizenship mirrors that of other Western celebrities who have shown support for Russia, such as U.S. actor Steven Seagal and French actor Gerard Depardieu. Alongside Johnson and Leipsic, a decree published on a Russian government website lists 44 other foreign citizens who have been given citizenship – this list includes American-born Andrei Caralegorghi who descends from Catherine II and Prince Grigory Potemkin as well as Peter Lavelle who hosts political talk show programs on Kremlin-funded English broadcaster RT.

Johnson’s move to Russia

Johnson moved to Russia in September and settled into Samara in the southwestern city. He intends to use his boxing expertise as a coach at the Olympic Training Center located there as well as compete in an event hosted by Russia – opening up new chapters in his life and career. His arrival here represents a milestone.

Johnson’s move to Russia follows in the tradition of Russia conferring citizenship upon Western celebrities who publicly support its government – like Steven Seagal and French actor Gerard Depardieu. Johnson adopted Vladimirovich after Putin as further evidence of his affinity with both country and its leader.

Brendan Leipsic, who played for Toronto Maple Leafs and other NHL teams before being dismissed from Washington Capitals due to misogynist comments made online, will also receive Russian citizenship. Leipsic plans on working for a Russian sports league as a coach or working within their sports organization; currently playing with SKA Saint Petersburg of KHL.