Ovechkin appears in United Russia campaign video as Capitals address criticism
The Washington Capitals said Alex Ovechkin was “asked by his country” to participate in a video promoting Vladimir Putin’s ruling party.
Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin has appeared in a campaign video promoting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party ahead of nationwide parliamentary elections.
The Capitals said Ovechkin participated while in Russia during the summer, describing him as having been “asked by his country” to take part. The statement did not specify the nature of his participation or whether it was voluntary.
Ovechkin has long supported Putin and founded the PutinTeam social movement in 2017. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he called for “no more war” while saying Putin was his president and that he was not in politics.
His appearance has drawn criticism amid Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine. Former Czech ice hockey star Dominik Hasek said Ovechkin’s public stance made him significantly responsible for casualties, a claim attributed to Hasek.
Ovechkin has scored an NHL-record 929 goals and signed a one-year contract to return to Washington for a 22nd season.
