# Capitals address Ovechkin's Russia ad

> Alex Ovechkin appeared in a United Russia ad, drawing a careful Capitals response before training camp.
- Title: Capitals address Ovechkin's Russia ad · The Banner | Shortify
- Summary: Alex Ovechkin appeared in a United Russia ad, drawing a careful Capitals response before training camp. Ovechkin's latest political controversy arrives as he…
- Keywords: nhl, capitals, alex ovechkin, russia, ukraine, news, local, address, Ovechkin's, The Banner
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/capitals-nhl/alex-ovechkin-united-russia-ad-vladimir-putin-T5WWY52DXREVPPREISWPYSDZJU
- Author: Associated Press
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:03:24.816+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nhl, capitals, alex ovechkin, russia, ukraine, news, local
## An ad surfaces
Alex Ovechkin appeared in a video campaign for Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, which came to light this week.
## Capitals respond
The Capitals said Ovechkin was asked to take part while he was in Russia during the offseason, where he lives with his family.

> Alex Ovechkin is a Russian citizen who lives in Moscow with his family during the offseason
## Backlash follows
Ovechkin stood behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the commercial. Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek criticized the appearance as support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
## Questions await camp
The NHL referred questions to Washington. Ovechkin is expected to speak with reporters Thursday when training camp opens.
## A long Putin tie
Ovechkin launched the Putin Team movement in 2017 and said then, "I just support my country." After Russia invaded Ukraine, he called for no more war.

> Please, no more war
## Still chasing history
Ovechkin turns 41 on Thursday and is entering his 22nd NHL season. He broke Wayne Gretzky's goals record in April 2025 and now has 929 career goals.
## Key takeaway

Ovechkin's latest political controversy arrives as he enters his 22nd NHL season and remains tied publicly to Putin despite saying he is not political.