Alex Ovechkin comments on recent United Russia party video

Alex Ovechkin is standing up for himself, after he was seen taking a rather unpopular stance in a recent political video.

Earlier this week, the Washington Capitals captain was seen in a United Russia campaign advertisement for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ad, published in Vedomosti, a pro-Kremlin newspaper, features Ovechkin alongside many other famous Russian athletes, celebrities, and politicians, with the title “When we are united, we are invincible.”

Ovechkin faced reporters in D.C. for the first time since the campaign surfaced, and was unsurprisingly asked about his support for the controversial world leader. The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer noted that his nationality is a main reason why he supports Russia.

“The thing is about (the) video, I’m Russian,” Ovechkin told a group of reporters, as captured by Sammi Silber.

The 41-year-old is suspected to be entering his final season in the league. He added that he will return to his homeland once he hangs up his skates.

“As soon as I’m done playing hockey, I’m probably gonna stay there. I’m gonna live there, my kids gonna live there, family. So I’m putting some love, and I hope my kids are gonna be okay.”

The Moscow native’s support for Putin has been well-documented and often criticized. Many wonder why someone who lives in the United States’ capital could ever be in favor of a man who has been accused of crimes against humanity, as well as his actions during the war in Ukraine.

Ovechkin further iterated that Russia will forever be his home, but noted that Washington, D.C. will always hold a special place in his heart.

“My home is Russia, (Washington) is my second home. I have lots of friends. I grow up here as a person. I hope you see it. Like I said, this is my second home. I hope this is what I can do and be up here. I’ll say peace and love for you.”

The Capitals released a statement in response to Ovi’s appearance in the ad, showing their support for the GR8.

“Alex Ovechkin is a Russian citizen who lives in Moscow with his family during the offseason and will live there following his retirement,” team spokesperson Sergey Kocharov said Tuesday in a statement sent to The Associated Press. “As the longest-tenured athlete in Washington, D.C., and a pillar of the community, his focus and ours is on the season ahead and the continued impact he makes on the ice and in our city.”