41-year-old Russian ice hockey player stated on Thursday that he never considered refusing to appear in the advertisement. “United Russia” supports President Vladimir Putin, and party representatives have supported Russia’s war against Ukraine.
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“I am Russian and support my country. As I have said, I am for peace and love. I hope everyone understands that everyone wants peace, and I hope everything will be fine in the world,” A. Ovechkin told journalists.
In a video released ahead of the Russian parliamentary elections taking place from September 18–20, A. Ovechkin appeared alongside various political and public figures of the country, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
“Speaking about that video – I am Russian. As soon as I finish playing ice hockey, not probably, but definitely I will return to live there. My children will live there,” explained the long-time “Capitals” captain about his decision.
A. Ovechkin’s appearance in the political advertisement received reactions in the United States as well. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson addressed NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, criticizing the hockey player’s participation in the “United Russia” campaign.
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Latvia reacted even more strictly. The country’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced on September 17 that A. Ovechkin would be included in the list of persons undesirable in Latvia. He is banned from entering the country indefinitely. The same decision was made regarding the head of the International Boxing Association (IBA), Umar Kremlev.
A. Ovechkin has represented the “Capitals” since 2005 and is one of the most famous Russian athletes. In the past, he has also publicly expressed support for V. Putin – in 2017, he initiated the “Putin Team” movement dedicated to the then upcoming Russian presidential election campaign.
After the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, A. Ovechkin publicly called for peace and stated he did not want to get involved in politics. Now, when asked about the new video, he once again emphasized his desire for peace but did not hide his support for his country.
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