World News
Alex Ovechkin features in political video supporting Russia's ruling party
The Washington Capitals star appears alongside high-profile Russian figures ahead of parliamentary elections
The short version
- NHL star Alex Ovechkin has appeared in a campaign video promoting Russia's ruling United Russia party ahead of the country's upcoming parliamentary elections.[Deutsche Welle · The Guardian]
- Ovechkin stands silently behind Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the promotional clip alongside other prominent Russian figures.[Deutsche Welle · The Guardian]
- The appearance follows a long history of political backing for President Vladimir Putin, including Ovechkin's founding of the 'Putin Team' movement in 2017.[Deutsche Welle · The Guardian]
Key facts
- Alex Ovechkin appeared in a promotional video for the United Russia political party ahead of parliamentary elections.[Deutsche Welle · The Guardian]
- Ovechkin appears in the third row of supporters behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and does not speak in the clip.[Deutsche Welle]
- Russian business newspaper Vedomosti published campaign images featuring Ovechkin alongside Lavrov and RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan.[The Guardian]
- Ovechkin established the 'Putin Team' social movement in 2017 to support Vladimir Putin's presidential campaign.[Deutsche Welle · The Guardian]
- Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin expressed a desire for peace while reaffirming that Putin was his president.[Deutsche Welle · The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.