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Alexander Ovechkin sparks controversy with pro-Putin campaign video
NHL star and Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin has drawn intense criticism after appearing in a campaign video for the pro-Kremlin United Russia party. The advertisement, which features Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan, uses the slogan, “When we are united, we are invincible.”
The appearance has sparked backlash from hockey figures, including legendary goaltender Dominik Hašek, who accused those in the video of supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Other critics, including American astronaut Terry Virts, have called for consequences regarding Ovechkin's participation in the league.
The Washington Capitals addressed the controversy by stating that Ovechkin, a Russian citizen, was asked to participate in the campaign while visiting his home country during the offseason. The team emphasized that both the player and the organization remain focused on the upcoming NHL season. Ovechkin, who broke Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record in 2025, has a long history of ties to Vladimir Putin, having founded the “Putin Team” movement in 2017.
Entities
Alex Ovechkin · Alexander Ovechkin · Dominik Hasek · Margarita Simonyan · Sergey Lavrov · United Russia · Vladimir Putin · Washington Capitals
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] The advertisement featured RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan. www.t-online.de · dziennik-polityczny.com · time.news
- [● 5 SOURCES] Dominik Hašek criticized Ovechkin for supporting the Russian war in Ukraine. www.sport.cz · dziennik-polityczny.com · www.sport-tv.si · www.jutarnji.hr · www.ta3.com
- [● 13 SOURCES] Alexander Ovechkin appeared in a campaign advertisement for the pro-Kremlin United Russia party www.denniksport.sk · www.t-online.de · www.sport.cz · dziennik-polityczny.com · cryptobriefing.com · +7 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Ovechkin founded the Putin Team movement in 2017. www.t-online.de · dziennik-polityczny.com · isport.blesk.cz · www.sport-tv.si · www.jutarnji.hr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The advertisement used the slogan 'When we are united, we are invincible'. dziennik-polityczny.com · time.news
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record in April 2025. www.t-online.de
- [● 8 SOURCES] The Washington Capitals stated Ovechkin was asked to participate in the video while in Russia during the offseason. www.sport.cz · dziennik-polityczny.com · www.brandonsun.com · isport.blesk.cz · www.sport-tv.si · +3 more
- [DISPUTED] The advertisement featured Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. www.t-online.de · www.sport.cz · dziennik-polityczny.com · cryptobriefing.com · isport.blesk.cz · +4 more