The Washington Capitals ice hockey team has responded to criticism regarding star player Alex Ovechkin's appearance in a campaign video for Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party. A spokesperson for the Capitals stated that Ovechkin had been 'asked by his country to participate.' Ovechkin, who has a history of supporting Putin and spends his offseasons in Moscow, is featured in a campaign video for the ruling United Russia party ahead of upcoming elections. The spokesperson emphasized Ovechkin's commitment to the upcoming NHL season and his contributions to the community in Washington, DC.
Ovechkin's involvement in the campaign has drawn criticism, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues. The United Russia party is expected to maintain its majority in the State Duma following the elections, which are viewed by the Kremlin as a reflection of public sentiment regarding the war. Ovechkin founded the 'PutinTeam' social movement in 2017 to support Putin's presidential campaign and has shared a photo with Putin on his official Instagram account. However, following the invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin called for 'no more war' and stated, 'He’s my president, but … I’m not in politics.'
In 2023, Capitals fans protested outside the team's arena, urging Ovechkin to remove photos of Putin from his social media. Former Czech ice hockey player Dominik Hasek criticized Ovechkin's statement, arguing it overlooks the significant casualties resulting from the war. Ovechkin, who is approaching his 41st birthday, holds the NHL record with 929 goals in 1,573 games. He signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million to continue playing for the Capitals for a 22nd season, without confirming if this will be his final season.