Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin addresses controversial appearance in Putin-aligned political video

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin addressed his appearance in a government‑run video that backed Russia’s ruling United Russia party, speaking to reporters during the team’s media availability on Thursday. “I’m Russian, and I enactment my country,” Ovechkin said. He added, “I’m for bid and love, and I anticipation successful the satellite it doesn’t substance who you are; I anticipation everybody understands, everybody wants peace, and everybody hopes everything is going to beryllium OK successful the world.” Ovechkin said helium was asked to instrumentality portion successful the video portion helium was successful Russia this summertime and did not hesitate to participate. The 41‑year‑old forward has long expressed nationalist sentiments toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing his 2017 launch of PutinTeam to support Putin ahead of the 2018 presidential election. After Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ovechkin called for an end to the war, stating “Well, he’s my president,” and describing himself as an athlete rather than a political figure. The Capitals previously said Ovechkin, a Russian national who spends his offseasons in Moscow, was asked by his government to appear in the campaign. The club said its focus remains on the upcoming NHL season and Ovechkin’s role in Washington. Ovechkin also reiterated Thursday that he expects to return to Russia with his family after his hockey career ends. Ovechkin’s comments came as controversy over the video continued to draw attention in the United States and abroad. South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson has urged the NHL to review its policies regarding players’ participation in political campaigns, while Ovechkin remains focused on opening his 22nd NHL season with Washington.