Ovechkin Clarifies Stance: Supports Russia, Not War

WHO:

NY Post - Alex Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, participated in a video for Russian President Vladimir Putin's political party.

ESPN - Sergey Lavrov, Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a message in the campaign video.

ESPN - Chris Patrick, general manager of the Washington Capitals, commented on Ovechkin's participation in the ad.

ESPN - Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., called on the NHL to consider banning Ovechkin.

ESPN - Spencer Carbery, head coach of the Washington Capitals, expressed support for Ovechkin.

WHAT:

NY Post - Ovechkin stood by his participation in the political video.

ESPN - Ovechkin stated he is "not pro-war" and supports "what's happening in Russia."

ESPN - Ovechkin filmed the ad three weeks prior to addressing the media.

ESPN - Ovechkin signed a one-year contract extension with the Capitals worth $4.25 million on July 2.

ESPN - The campaign video aired in Russia earlier in the month and features over 30 Putin supporters.

ESPN - The International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Maria Lvova-Belova in 2023.

WHERE:

NY Post - The campaign video was aired in Russia.

ESPN - Ovechkin lives in Moscow with his family during the offseason.

WHEN:

ESPN - Ovechkin filmed the ad three weeks before addressing the media.

ESPN - Ovechkin signed a one-year contract extension on July 2.

WHY:

ESPN - Ovechkin expressed a desire for "peace and love for everybody" and hopes the war will "be done soon."

ESPN - Ovechkin stated he would support his country "no matter what."

HOW:

ESPN - Ovechkin accepted the government's request to participate in the video without hesitation.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 22:59 UTC)

Alex Ovechkin, the captain of the Washington Capitals, has come under scrutiny for participating in a campaign video for Russian President Vladimir Putin's political party, which aired in Russia earlier this month and features over 30 Putin supporters. Ovechkin, who lives in Moscow during the offseason, stood by his involvement, stating he is "not pro-war" but supports "what's happening in Russia," while expressing a desire for peace and love for everyone. Following his participation, Rep. Joe Wilson called for the NHL to consider banning Ovechkin, though both Capitals' general manager Chris Patrick and head coach Spencer Carbery expressed their support for him.