# Alex Ovechkin controversies in Russia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alex-ovechkin-controversies-in-russia > Updated: 2026-09-19T02:13:24.000Z. Sources: 55. Developments: 4. During his offseason in Russia, NHL player Alex Ovechkin faced scrutiny for accumulating 33 traffic violations while driving a luxury minivan. These infractions included speeding and unpaid fines totaling approximately 82,000 rubles. Following these reports, Ovechkin appeared in a campaign video for United Russia, the political party of President Vladimir Putin, ahead of Russia’s parliamentary elections. The advertisement, which uses the slogan, ‘When we are united, we are invincible,’ features Ovechkin standing behind Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other pro-Kremlin figures. This appearance drew international criticism and condemnation. Legendary goaltender Dominik Hašek accused those in the video of supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while American astronaut Terry Virts called for consequences regarding Ovechkin's participation in the league. U.S. Representative Joe Wilson has also joined calls for the NHL to consider banning the player. In a further escalation of diplomatic consequences, the Latvian government has placed Ovechkin on a list of undesirable persons, banning him from entering the country indefinitely. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited his proximity to the Kremlin as the reason for the decision. Additionally, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress has called for him to be sanctioned and barred from entering Canada. Addressing the controversy, Ovechkin defended his involvement, stating, ‘I’m Russian, and I support my country.’ He emphasized that he is ‘for peace and love’ and maintained that he is not involved in politics, noting, ‘I’m an athlete.’ The Washington Capitals responded by stating that Ovechkin, a Russian citizen, was ‘asked by his country to participate’ in the video while in Moscow. A team spokesperson, Sergey Kocharov, noted that Ovechkin resides in Moscow with his family during the offseason and intends to live there following his retirement. ## Claims - The advertisement featured Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (disputed by 10 sources) - The advertisement featured RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan. (disputed by 3 sources) - Alexander Ovechkin appeared in a campaign advertisement for the pro-Kremlin United Russia party (corroborated by 13 sources) - The advertisement features Ovechkin endorsing Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The Washington Capitals stated Ovechkin was asked to participate in the video while in Russia during the offseason. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Ovechkin expressed his intention to retire to Russia after his NHL career. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The Ukrainian Canadian Congress called for Ovechkin to be sanctioned and banned from entering Canada. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Dominik Hašek criticized Ovechkin for supporting the Russian war in Ukraine. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Ovechkin founded the Putin Team movement in 2017. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Latvia has banned Alexander Ovechkin from entering the country. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-19: Alexander Ovechkin faces backlash over Russian election ad NHL star Alexander Ovechkin faces backlash and entry bans in Latvia after appearing in a Russian election ad for the United Russia party alongside Sergey Lavrov. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alexander-ovechkin-faces-backlash-for-supporting-russias-united-russia-party ### 2026-09-17: Alex Ovechkin banned from Latvia after appearing in Putin-linked campaign ad NHL star Alex Ovechkin faces backlash and an indefinite entry ban from Latvia after appearing in a pro-Putin campaign video for Russia's United Russia party. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washington-capitals-address-alex-ovechkins-appearance-in-russian-campaign-video ### 2026-09-14: Alexander Ovechkin sparks controversy with pro-Putin campaign video NHL star Alexander Ovechkin faces backlash after appearing in a pro-Kremlin United Russia campaign video alongside Sergey Lavrov, prompting criticism from hockey legends and the Washington Capitals. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alex-ovechkin-appears-in-united-russia-campaign-video ### 2026-08-24: Alex Ovechkin reportedly received 33 traffic violations in Russia NHL star Alex Ovechkin reportedly received 33 traffic violations, including speeding and parking fines, while driving a luxury minivan during his offseason in Russia. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alex-ovechkin-nears-nhl-goal-record-amid-russian-traffic-fines --- Cite as: Alex Ovechkin controversies in Russia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alex-ovechkin-controversies-in-russia