Ovechkin Returns to Kremlin Propaganda in United Russia Ad

Key points

• Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leading scorer and 40-year-old Capitals captain, appeared in a United Russia campaign video.
• The ad features Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the party’s leading candidate, speaking alongside Ovechkin and RT editor Margarita Simonyan.
• Lavrov’s message in the ad warns that those who come at Russia with a sword should expect no mercy.
• The video was released ahead of Russia’s first national parliamentary election since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
• Ovechkin had stepped back from public political involvement after 2022, previously stating he could not influence politics as an athlete.
• The Washington Capitals stated Ovechkin was asked to participate while in Russia this summer and emphasized his focus on the upcoming season.

Background

Ovechkin has a long history of supporting Putin, including establishing 'Putin’s Team' ahead of the 2018 election, which now functions mainly as a merchandise chain. He previously called for peace after the 2022 invasion but maintained that Putin remained his president. The Capitals recently bolstered their roster with new signings, aiming to contend for the Stanley Cup, while Ovechkin continues his tenure as the team’s longest-serving player.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post frames the ad as Ovechkin using his NHL star power to endorse political forces responsible for the war in Ukraine, noting his previous silence since 2022. The Daily Beast highlights fan backlash on social media, with users criticizing Ovechkin as a propaganda tool, and notes his recent contract extension and record-breaking goal total. Both outlets agree on the factual details of the ad’s content and participants but differ in emphasis: The Post focuses on the political implications and the team’s official response, while The Daily Beast focuses on public reaction and Ovechkin’s recent career milestones.

Why it matters

The ad signals a renewed public alignment between a prominent American-based athlete and the Kremlin’s political apparatus, potentially affecting Ovechkin’s reputation in the NHL and among fans. It also highlights the continued use of high-profile athletes for domestic propaganda in Russia, despite previous attempts by Ovechkin to distance himself from political involvement after the 2022 invasion.

What to watch

Ovechkin is expected to focus on the upcoming NHL season with the Washington Capitals, as stated by the team. The impact of the ad on his public perception and fan support remains to be seen, particularly as the Capitals aim to contend for the Stanley Cup.