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Alex Ovechkin controversies in Russia

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2026-09-19 09:33 UTC → 2026-09-20 10:46 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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