**Title: NHL Star Alex Ovechkin Defends Political Advertisement for United Russia**
**Date: September 17, 2026**
**By: CyprusDailyLife News**
Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin has publicly defended his decision to appear in a political advertisement for the United Russia party, which is closely associated with President Vladimir Putin. The advertisement coincides with Russia's upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled from September 18 to 20, marking the first such elections since the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022.
During a media conference at the Capitals' training facility, Ovechkin stated, “I’m Russian, and I support my country.” His remarks reflect a sentiment of national pride, as he emphasized his desire for peace and understanding in the world. “I’m for peace and love, and I hope in the world it doesn’t matter who you are; I hope everybody understands, everybody wants peace, and everybody hopes everything is going to be OK in the world,” he added.
In the advertisement, Ovechkin is seen alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, a prominent figure in the Russian government. The star athlete indicated that he was approached to participate in the campaign and agreed without hesitation. He expressed a commitment to return to Russia after his hockey career concludes, stating, “As soon as I’m done playing hockey, I’m probably going to stay there. I’m gonna live there, my kids gonna live there, family.”
Ovechkin, who recently celebrated his 41st birthday, has faced criticism for his longstanding ties to Putin, especially as the conflict in Ukraine escalated. In 2017, he initiated a public movement to support the Russian president, and his social media presence includes a profile picture featuring himself with Putin. Following the invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin called for peace, asserting, “Well, he is my president. But … I am not in politics. I am an athlete and … I hope everything is going to be done soon.”
As one of the most accomplished players in NHL history, Ovechkin holds the record for the most goals scored in the league, with 929 goals in 1,573 regular-season games. The upcoming season will mark his 22nd year in the NHL, during which he led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup victory in 2018. Despite contemplating retirement after the Capitals missed the playoffs last season, Ovechkin has been reinvigorated by recent roster changes that he believes position the team as a contender for another championship.
“The new faces we have give us a chance to fight for a Cup,” Ovechkin remarked, indicating his optimism about the team's prospects for the upcoming season. “If it was truly a rebuild, it would be hard for me,” he added, suggesting that the current roster changes have motivated him to continue playing.
As the political landscape in Russia remains complex and contentious, Ovechkin's involvement in the advertisement and his statements about his support for Putin have sparked discussions about the intersection of sports and politics. As a prominent figure in the sports world, Ovechkin's actions and words carry significant weight, influencing public perception and dialogue surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical situation.
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Russia are set against a backdrop of international scrutiny and ongoing tensions related to the war in Ukraine, making Ovechkin's endorsement particularly noteworthy. As the situation develops, the implications of his support for the United Russia party and its leadership will continue to be a topic of interest both in the sports community and beyond.