Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin, the National Hockey League’s all‑time leading goal scorer, announced Thursday that he has agreed to appear in a political campaign advertisement for United Russia, the party backed by President Vladimir Putin. “I’m Russian, and I support my country,” Ovechkin said at the Capitals’ media day in Washington, D.C.
Reason for Participation
Ovechkin explained that he was asked to take part in the video and did not hesitate to accept. He added that his decision reflects a personal commitment to his nation, saying, “I’m for peace and love, and I hope in the world it doesn’t matter who you are, I hope everybody understands, everybody wants peace and everybody hope everything is going to be okay in the world.”
Future Plans
The Capitals forward also indicated that he intends to reside in Russia once his hockey career concludes. “As soon as I’m done playing hockey, I’m probably going to stay there. I’m gonna live there, my kids gonna live there, family,” Ovechkin said. “I’m for peace and love and I hope everything’s going to be okay.”
Background on Ovechkin’s Ties to Russia
Ovechkin, who turned 41 on Thursday, has long been linked to Russian political figures. In 2017 he helped launch a public movement supporting President Putin, and his Instagram profile picture features a photo of him standing beside the Russian leader. When Russia launched its full‑scale war in Ukraine in February 2022, Ovechkin called for peace and, when asked about his support for Putin at the time, responded, “Well, he is my president. But … I am not in politics. I am an athlete and … I hope everything is going to be done soon.”
Upcoming Russian Parliamentary Election
Russia is scheduled to hold a parliamentary election from September 18 to 20, the first national vote since the war in Ukraine began. United Russia, the ruling party, is expected to field a slate of candidates backed by President Putin. Ovechkin’s appearance in the campaign ad places him among a small group of high‑profile athletes publicly endorsing the party’s platform.
Career Highlights
On the ice, Ovechkin has amassed 929 goals in 1,573 regular‑season NHL games and is entering his 22nd season. He led the Capitals to a Stanley Cup championship in 2018 and remains one of the league’s most recognizable figures.
Reactions
The announcement has drawn attention from both supporters and critics. Some observers note that Ovechkin’s statement aligns with his long‑standing public support for President Putin, while others question the appropriateness of a high‑profile athlete participating in a political advertisement from a nation currently engaged in an armed conflict. Ovechkin’s own remarks emphasize a desire for peace and a personal connection to his homeland rather than a direct endorsement of any specific policy.
As the Russian parliamentary election approaches, Ovechkin’s involvement adds a notable sports‑culture dimension to the campaign narrative.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
