Alexander Ovechkin Appears in Campaign Video for Putin's United Russia Party
2 sources across 2 countries · Germany · Latvia
Who reported this
- Deutsche Welle
- Meduza
What the colours mean
- Left
- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin appeared in a campaign video for the ruling United Russia party ahead of Russia's parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for September 18 to 20. In the video, Ovechkin stands silently in the third row of supporters behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The appearance comes as Ovechkin returns to the United States to begin his 22nd NHL season.
Ovechkin has a long history of supporting President Vladimir Putin. In 2017, he announced the creation of "PutinTeam" to support the 2018 presidential campaign. While Ovechkin described the group as a source of pride, one report notes that the movement was actually conceived by IMA-Consulting, a company working with the political bloc of Russia's Presidential Administration. Ovechkin also served as a trusted representative for Putin during the 2018 campaign and participated in the "Territory of Meanings" forum.
Following the full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ovechkin stated that Putin is his president but maintained that he is an athlete rather than a politician. He issued a vague appeal for peace without criticizing the military action. His recent appearance in the campaign video has drawn criticism, including from Ukrainian skeleton pilot Vladyslav Heraskevych.
Reports indicate that the Presidential Administration considered Ovechkin as a potential list leader for United Russia in 2026. Polling conducted by VTsIOM reportedly showed his potential was better than some other candidates, but he ultimately did not seek the role. A source close to the Presidential Administration told Meduza that Ovechkin did not want the time commitment of running for office, noting that appearing in a video is easier.
Off the ice, Ovechkin remains one of the most successful players in NHL history, having broken Wayne Gretzky's career goal scoring record in 2025.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- The center-left lean outlet emphasized the strategic role of the Presidential Administration in managing Ovechkin's political image and the internal polling regarding his candidacy.
- Centre
- The center lean outlet focused on the tension between Ovechkin's athletic achievements and his political associations, highlighting criticism from a Ukrainian athlete.
Sources
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