Alexander Ovechkin appeared in a campaign video for United Russia before leaving Russia to prepare for another season with the Washington Capitals, according to DW. The party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, is seeking votes in parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18 to 20.
Ovechkin did not speak in the video. DW reported that he was visible in the third row of a group of supporters behind Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is leading United Russia’s list for the parliamentary vote. The appearance was widely shared on social media and drew criticism, including from Ukrainian skeleton pilot Vladyslav Heraskevych.
The video is the latest public instance of Ovechkin’s association with Putin and his political movement. In 2017, he announced the creation of “PutinTeam,” a group intended to support Putin’s 2018 presidential campaign. He wrote at the time that he had never hidden his feelings about the president and wanted supporters to unite behind what he called a strong, united Russia.
DW also recalled that Ovechkin posted a photograph in 2017 carrying a sign referring to saving children from fascism. The report said Putin has used descriptions of Ukrainian authorities as “neo-Nazi” or fascist when justifying Russia’s actions, including its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Asked shortly after the invasion whether he still supported Putin, Ovechkin said, “He’s my president,” while also saying he was not in politics and was an athlete. He called for an end to war but did not directly criticize Moscow’s military action, according to DW.
Ovechkin has now returned to the ice in Arlington, Virginia, ahead of the Capitals’ training camp. DW reported that the 41-year-old has recorded 929 regular-season goals and scored 32 in the 2025-26 campaign. He has said his focus is helping Washington compete for another Stanley Cup, while the report noted that the team is not among bookmakers’ leading candidates.