Ovechkin Putin campaign ad controversy 2026
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Alex Ovechkin's pro-Putin video surfaces despite claims he is 'not in politics'
Alex Ovechkin appeared in the video alongside Sergei Lavrov and Margarita Simonyan.
Alex Ovechkin said "He is my president" referring to Vladimir Putin shortly after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Former NHL goaltender Dominik Hasek criticized the Washington Capitals' statement on X.
Ovechkin Putin campaign ad controversy and congressional response
The Capitals did not answer questions about whether it knew of Ovechkin's participation beforehand or whether anyone within the organization approved or facilitated it.
Capitals owner Ted Leonsis was copied on Wilson's letter to Bettman.
Wilson wants the NHL to explain whether it has any policies governing active players who appear in political advertisements for foreign parties or regimes.
Ovechkin defends Putin ad appearance
Ovechkin considered retirement after the Capitals missed the playoffs last season.
Alexander Ovechkin said he agreed to appear in a political campaign advertisement for the United Russia party because he supports his country.
Ovechkin formed a public movement in support of Putin in 2017.
NHL star Alex Ovechkin appears in campaign ad for pro-Putin United Russia party
The Capitals picked Ovechkin with the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL draft.
Ovechkin said Putin is his president.
Ovechkin is 40 years old.