Ovechkin appears in United Russia campaign video before NHL return

Hockey star Alexander Ovechkin appeared in a video supporting Russia’s ruling United Russia party before returning to the United States for the Washington Capitals’ new season. The appearance follows years of public support for President Vladimir Putin, although Ovechkin has said he is not involved in politics and has called for peace.

Alexander Ovechkin has appeared in a campaign video promoting United Russia, the party that supports Russian President Vladimir Putin, ahead of Russia’s parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18 to 20, according to DW.

Ovechkin is visible in the third row of a group of supporters behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is leading United Russia’s list for the parliamentary vote. The hockey player does not speak in the video, which has circulated widely on social media. His participation drew criticism, including from Ukrainian skeleton pilot Vladyslav Heraskevych, DW reported.

The appearance is consistent with Ovechkin’s previous public support for Putin. In 2017, he announced the creation of “PutinTeam,” a group intended to support Putin’s 2018 presidential campaign. Ovechkin wrote at the time that he had never hidden his feelings about the president and described participation in the group as a source of pride.

Ovechkin also posted messages associated with Russia’s position on Ukraine after Russia seized Crimea in 2014. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he was asked whether he still supported Putin. “Well, he’s my president,” Ovechkin replied, while adding that he was not in politics but was an athlete. He called for an end to the war but did not directly criticize Moscow’s military action.

The Washington Capitals said Ovechkin was asked by his country to participate in the video while he was in Russia during the offseason. Team spokesperson Sergey Kocharov said Ovechkin’s focus, and that of the team, was on the coming season and his continuing impact in Washington.

Speaking to reporters after returning to the ice in Arlington, Virginia, Ovechkin said he agreed to take part because he was asked. He also said Russia was his home and expressed hope for “peace and love.” The 41-year-old is preparing for his 22nd NHL season after deciding to return to Washington for another year. DW reported that he entered the 2025-26 campaign with 929 regular-season goals and had scored 32 goals during the previous season.