Alexander Ovechkin faces heavy backlash after starring in Vladimir Putin propaganda video

22:58 ET, Tue, Sep 15, 2026 Updated: 22:58 ET, Tue, Sep 15, 2026

Alexander Ovechkin featured in a pro-Putin political commercial (Image: United Russia)

NHL legend Alexander Ovechkin has appeared in a commercial promoting Vladimir Putin's United Russia political party, and the Washington Capitals have been forced to speak out following heavy backlash.

Ovechkin has been called out ahead of what could be his final NHL season for his inclusion in an ad in which he stands behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Former NHL player Viacheslav 'Slava' Fetisov was also involved.

The NHL has been in talks to include Russian athletes in the next All-Star event, with a 'World Team' set to feature despite the ongoing ban across sports. However, the Capitals have now released a statement following Ovechkin's involvement ahead of the upcoming Russian election.

Ovechkin's ongoing support for Putin has often drawn criticism, though this is his largest public involvement since 2017. The NHL and the Capitals have now faced backlash for brushing off the incident, with the league deflecting to the team for comment.

"Alex Ovechkin is a Russian citizen who lives in Moscow with his family during the offseason and will live there following his retirement," the Capitals wrote. "This summer, while in Russia, he was asked by his country to participate in a video campaign.

Putin's United Russia party has released a new election campaign video featuring record breaking NHL superstar Alexander Ovechkin alongside FM Sergey Lavrov, and other prominent Russians ahead of this week’s State Duma elections.

"As the longest- tenured athlete in Washington, D.C. and a pillar of the community, his focus and ours is on the season ahead and the continued impact he makes on the ice and in our city."

In 2017, Ovechkin launched the 'Putin Team' to unite "people who are proud of their country and want to make Russia stronger." Ovechkin said he appreciates Putin's "trust in and respect for his people, his fairness (and) righteousness, and the fact that he really cares."

However, when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Ovechkin's support was less bold, as he said, "Please, no more war," when asked for comment on the conflict. When pressed on his relationship with Putin, he added, "He's my president, but I'm not in politics. I'm an athlete."

Ovechkin stands with Putin during a meeting with the national ice hockey team (Image: Getty)

Ovechkin is an NHL hero and is still playing at an elite level at age 40. He is the all-time NHL goalscorer after breaking Wayne Gretzky's historic record, and while he's teased retirement in the past, he's committed to playing next season.

The Capitals and Ovechkin are all in on this season, and a strong roster has been assembled with championship ambitions. Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch, and Boone Jenner have joined the forward line alongside the returning Ovechkin. On defense, Vincent Desharnais and Justin Holl were acquired.

"We added Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch, and Boone Jenner up front," Ovechkin said. "Plus, we have Vincent Desharnais on defense. Look at our roster -- we have a Stanley Cup contender."

Ovechkin also faced heavy backlash in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine (Image: Getty)

After a carefully crafted offseason with Ovechkin, very much a cornerstone of the franchise, the controversy heading into the new season is far from ideal for Washington. Ovechkin is also expected to be made available to reporters on Thursday during training camp.

Ovechkin helped the Capitals bolster their roster this offseason after signing a one-year contract with just $1 million in salary. However, additional bonuses were included in the deal, with $3.25 million upon signing.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis appreciated Ovechkin's decision to accept $1 million, even though he knew the franchise wanted him back. "Ovi has maintained two constants," Leonsis said. “His love for the game and his relentless drive to win."