Full Breakdown
Alex Ovechkin’s United Russia Campaign Appearance Sparks Backlash Ahead of Russian Parliamentary Vote
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Ovechkin Appears in United Russia Election Video
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was shown standing behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a televised campaign video for United Russia, the party that backs President Vladimir Putin. The clip aired on Russian television by September 10 and was widely shared online on September 14, 2026. Ovechkin did not speak in the video but was positioned among other high-profile Russians, including RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan, actor Vladimir Mashkov and former NHL star Viacheslav Fetisov. The appearance comes as United Russia prepares for the State Duma elections scheduled for September 18–20.
Background & Context
Ovechkin’s public support for Putin dates to 2017, when he launched the “Putin Team” movement ahead of the 2018 presidential election. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he told a reporter, “He’s my president, but I’m not in politics. I’m an athlete,” and added a vague appeal for peace. He has continued to refer to Putin as “my president” in subsequent interviews.
Data & Statistics
- Career goals: 929 (including 32 in the 2025-26 season).
- Contract (July 2026): $1 million base salary, $4.75 million games-played bonus, $3.25 million signing bonus; average annual value $4.25 million.
- United Russia election: parliamentary vote runs September 18–20; the campaign video began airing September 10.
Official Statements & Responses
Kocharov said the team’s focus remains on the upcoming NHL season and Ovechkin’s impact on the ice. The NHL declined to comment directly, deferring to the Capitals organization.
Criticism & Opposition
Chef and activist José Andrés posted on September 14, 2026 that “Russia is killing Americans in the Middle East with drones that help Iran!” Ukrainian pilot Vladyslav Heraskevych also criticized Ovechkin’s involvement, linking it to broader condemnation of Russia’s war.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree Ovechkin did not travel to Russia to vote in the September 18–20 elections, yet he appears in a campaign video produced there. No official comment has been provided on whether the ad was a contractual obligation or a voluntary political endorsement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s my president, but I’m not in politics. I’m an athlete.” — Alex Ovechkin
- “Russia is killing Americans in the Middle East with drones that help Iran!” — José Andrés
- “Everyone in this photograph has chosen to officially support Russia's imperialist war in Ukraine. Among them are also hockey player Ovechkin and former hockey player and national team captain Fetisov. Because of each of them, many Ukrainians and Russians will be killed,” — Dominik Hasek
What’s Next
United Russia’s parliamentary campaign continues through the election period September 18–20. Ovechkin is slated to report to Capitals training camp on September 15, 2026, where he will be available to reporters. The NHL season begins later in the fall, with the Capitals positioned as a potential Stanley Cup contender according to betting markets.