Full Breakdown
Alex Ovechkin’s Pro-Putin Advertisement Sparks Political Backlash in Canada and Latvia
By Drooid · · How we work
Ovechkin Appears in Russian Political Advertisement
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin featured in a televised commercial that placed him behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as Lavrov pledged “no mercy” for those attacking Russia. Ovechkin said he did not hesitate to join the ad after being asked, emphasizing his personal identity and desire for peace. He later reiterated, “I’m Russian and I support my country,” and added that he hopes “everyone wants peace and love.”
Canadian Political Response
Justice Minister Sean Fraser echoed the criticism, stating that turning a blind eye to the atrocities in Ukraine would be “wilfully blind.” Fraser clarified that any sanctions or entry bans would be decided at the cabinet level, noting that Global Affairs Canada handles sanctions while Immigration Canada oversees entry bans. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon declined to comment on sanctions, and Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said the issue is not about sports.
Latvia Declares Ovechkin Persona Non Grata
Latvia’s foreign affairs minister placed Ovechkin on a list of “personae non gratae,” effectively barring him from entering the NATO member that shares a border with Russia. The move reflects broader regional concern over athletes publicly supporting the Russian government.
Official Statements & Responses
- MacKinnon expressed discomfort among hockey fans but avoided a policy stance.
- Solomon dismissed the matter as unrelated to sports.
- Latvian officials justified the ban on security grounds, though no detailed rationale was provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you can look at what’s going on in Ukraine right now, and turn a blind eye to the atrocities being committed by the Putin regime, then you are at best wilfully blind,” — Justice Minister Sean Fraser
- “The Government of Canada should sanction and bar entry of Ovechkin, a disgusting supporter of Russia’s genocidal war against Ukraine.” — Sean Fraser, justice minister
- “I’ll leave the formal process to play out, when it comes to policy decisions taken by some of my colleagues,” — Sean Fraser, justice minister
- “I’m Russian and I support my country,” — Alex Ovechkin, washington capitals captain
- “He’s my president, but I’m not in politics. I’m an athlete.” — Alex Ovechkin, washington capitals captain
- “I’m going to stay there. I’m going to live there, my kids are going to live there, family. So I’m for peace and love, and I hope everything’s going to be OK,” — Alex Ovechkin, washington capitals captain