Alex Ovechkin on appearing in pro-Vladimir Putin video: 'I'm for peace and love'

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said he's for "peace and love" after being asked during the team's media day on Thursday about appearing in ad for Vladimir Putin's United Russia party as Russia's parliamentary election is this week.

"I'm Russian. As soon as I'm done playing hockey, I'm probably going to stay there. I'm going to live there, my kids are going to live there, family," Ovechkin said . "I'm for peace and love. I hope everything's going to be okay. My home is Russia, D.C. is my second home. I have lots of friends, I grew up here as a person and I love D.C., I'd say it's my second home. I hope everything's going to be okay and peace and love for everybody."

The video also features other notable Russian public figures, including Sergey Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, and former NHL defenseman and Hockey Hall of Famer Viacheslav Fetisov.

When asked why he agreed to appear in the video, Ovechkin said, "I'm Russian. ​I ⁠support my country."

The Capitals said this week that Ovechkin, who turned 41 on Thursday, was asked to participate in the video while he was home in Russia this summer.

"Alex Ovechkin is a Russian citizen who lives in Moscow with his family during the offseason and will live there following his retirement," the team said in a statement. "As the longest-tenured athlete in Washington, D.C., and a pillar of the community, his focus and ours is on the season ahead and the continued impact he makes on the ice and in our city."

Ovechkin, whose Instagram profile photo features him with Putin, has expressed his support for the Russian president in the past. In 2017, he started "Putin Team," a social movement ahead of the 2018 presidential elections. At the time, Ovechkin explained, "I just support my country."

Following the start of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin said , "Please, no more war," and added "we have to live in peace and a great world." When asked about his relationship with Putin, the Capitals star said at the time, "He's my president, but I'm not in politics. I'm an athlete."

The 2026-27 NHL season will mark Ovechkin's 22nd in the league. After much speculation about his future, he signed a one-year deal in July, but remains non-committal about his plans beyond this season.