Alex Ovechkin Claims He’s ‘for Peace and Love’ After Appearing in Pro-Putin Ad

Following his offseason appearance in a promotional video for a political faction allied with Vladimir Putin, Russian hockey icon Alex Ovechkin declared on Thursday his commitment to “peace and love.”

The campaign spot featuring the United Russia party surfaced this week, just ahead of the Washington Capitals’ scheduled media day. The veteran winger, who holds the second spot on the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring list, has returned to the Capitals for his 22nd year.

Within the advertisement, Ovechkin is positioned directly behind Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister. Legendary Soviet defenseman Viacheslav Fetisov was also featured in the clip.

“Being Russian, I stand behind my homeland,” Ovechkin stated on Thursday. “My desires are for global harmony and affection, and I hope that regardless of who you are, everyone realizes we all want tranquility and that things will turn out well globally.”

According to Ovechkin, he had no reservations about taking part in the commercial.

“When requested to join, I agreed,” he explained. “It was quite straightforward.”

Chris Patrick, the general manager for the Capitals, briefly commented on the situation.

“It is clearly a complex matter, and the public frustration is entirely understandable,” Patrick remarked. “As a hockey franchise manager rather than a foreign policy specialist, that is likely the extent of what I can offer.”

This is not the first time Ovechkin has backed the Russian leader; in 2017, he initiated a social group branded “Putin Team.” Back then, he explained to journalists from the Associated Press and The Washington Post that he was merely backing his native country.

In 2022, Ovechkin Called for an End to the Conflict

At the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ovechkin responded to inquiries by pleading, “Please, no more war.” When questioned about his ties to Putin at that time, he noted that while Putin is his president, he remains an athlete uninvolved in political matters.

Such statements have failed to appease his prominent detractors, including Hall of Fame Czech goaltender Dominik Hasek, who has pushed for the NHL to freeze the contracts of Russian athletes. Following the release of the ad featuring Ovechkin and Fetisov, Hasek denounced their participation as active backing of the military campaign.

On Thursday, Latvia’s Foreign Ministry declared Ovechkin “persona non grata” and banned his entry into the nation, a NATO ally bordering Russia.

WATCH | A look back at the enduring connection between Ovechkin and Putin:

Ovechkin features in Putin election commercial; NHL remains silent

The captain of the Washington Capitals, Alex Ovechkin, was featured in a promotional video endorsing United Russia, the political party of President Vladimir Putin. The NHL declined to make an official statement, deferring the matter to the club.

In this week’s Russian legislative elections, United Russia is running alongside nine other factions, all of which align with Putin’s agenda. The sole political party that ran on an anti-war platform was disqualified from running.

Supporters of the hockey star have raised concerns regarding his personal safety should he openly criticize Putin or the Kremlin. Both the player and the Capitals organization have highlighted his long-term plans to reside in Russia after his playing days are over.

“That is where I will reside, and where my family and children will grow up. Consequently, I hope for global peace and harmony, and that things turn out fine,” remarked Ovechkin, who celebrated his 41st birthday on Thursday. “My primary home is Russia, but Washington is my second home. I have built a life and made many friends here, and I hold a deep affection for the D.C. area. I simply hope for a positive outcome and, as previously stated, peace and love for all.”

Although rumors circulated that the previous season might mark the end of his career, Ovechkin decided to commit to Washington for another season, though his plans beyond the 2026-27 campaign remain undecided.

“My immediate focus is on training camp,” Ovechkin remarked. “I still need to secure my spot on the roster.”