Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said Thursday that he stands by his country after appearing in a promotional video for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections.
Speaking at Capitals media day, Ovechkin was asked directly why he took part in the video, which also featured Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Hockey Hall of Famer Viacheslav Fetisov.
“I’m Russian. As soon as I’m done playing hockey, I’m probably going to stay there. I’m going to live there; my kids are going to live there, family. I’m for peace and love. I hope everything’s going to be okay. My home is Russia; D.C. is my second home. I have lots of friends; I grew up here as a person, and I love D.C.; I’d say it’s my second home. I hope everything’s going to be okay, and peace and love for everybody.”
Ovechkin, who turned 41 on Thursday, said he intends to return to Russia with his family once his NHL career ends, while continuing to describe Washington as his second home.
The Capitals said Ovechkin was approached about the video while he was in Russia during the offseason. Team spokesperson Sergey Kocharov addressed the matter in a statement sent to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
“Alex Ovechkin is a Russian citizen who lives in Moscow with his family during the offseason and will live there following his retirement. As the longest-tenured athlete in Washington, D.C., and a pillar of the community, his focus and ours is on the season ahead and the continued impact he makes on the ice and in our city.”
This is not the first time Ovechkin has voiced public support for Putin. His Instagram profile picture shows the two men together, and he launched the “Putin Team” movement ahead of Russia’s 2018 presidential election, saying at the time, “I just support my country.”
After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin called for an end to the fighting, saying, “Please, no more war,” and adding that “we have to live in peace and a great world.” Asked about Putin at that time, he said, “He’s my president, but I’m not in politics. I’m an athlete.”
Ovechkin is entering his 22nd NHL season after signing a one-year contract with Washington in July. He has not said whether he plans to keep playing beyond the 2026-27 season.
His latest comments drew criticism online, with some questioning how his claim to support peace squares with his continued public backing of Putin.
