Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said Thursday that he supports Russia after appearing in a video promoting President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party before the country’s parliamentary elections.
“I’m Russian. I support my country.”
Ovechkin made the remarks during Capitals media day when asked about his role in the video, which also included Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Hockey Hall of Famer Viacheslav Fetisov.
The star forward said he intends to move back to Russia with his family when his NHL playing career is over, while describing Washington, D.C., as his second home. Ovechkin said:
I’m Russian. As soon as I’m done playing hockey, I’m probably going to stay there. I’m going to live there; my kids are going to live there, family. I’m for peace and love. I hope everything’s going to be okay. My home is Russia; D.C. is my second home. I have lots of friends; I grew up here as a person, and I love D.C.; I’d say it’s my second home. I hope everything’s going to be okay, and peace and love for everybody.
The Capitals said Ovechkin was approached about taking part in the video while he was in Russia during the offseason.
“Alex Ovechkin is a Russian citizen who lives in Moscow with his family during the offseason and will live there following his retirement,” team spokesperson Sergey Kocharov said Tuesday in a statement sent to The Associated Press. “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.”
Ovechkin has voiced support for Putin previously. His Instagram profile photo depicts him with the Russian president, and he created the “Putin Team” movement ahead of Russia’s 2018 presidential election. At that time, he said, “I just support my country.”
Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin called for the war to end.
“Please, no more war,” he said, adding that “we have to live in peace and a great world.”
When asked then about Putin, Ovechkin said, “He’s my president, but I’m not in politics. I’m an athlete.”
Ovechkin turned 41 on Thursday and is preparing for his 22nd NHL season. He signed a one-year contract with Washington in July but has not said whether he will continue playing beyond the 2026-27 season.
Ovechkin’s comments drew criticism online, with users questioning his claim that he supports peace.
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