Alex Ovechkin has declared himself “for peace and love” following the Russian hockey star’s appearance during the offseason in an advertisement for a party aligned with Vladimir Putin.

The United Russia party’s video surfaced this week, merely days before Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals convened for their annual media day on Thursday.

The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer has rejoined the Capitals for a 22nd season.

In the commercial, Ovechkin is depicted standing behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, with Viacheslav Fetisov, a longtime star of Soviet hockey, also taking part.

“I’m Russian, and I support my country,” Ovechkin said Thursday.

“I’m for peace and love, and I hope in the world it doesn’t matter who you are, I hope everybody understands everybody wants peace, and everybody hope everything’s going to be OK in the world.”

Ovechkin asserted that he had no reservations about taking part in the advertisement.

"They requested that I undertake that. I consented," he said.

"So it is as straightforward as that."

Ovechkin had previously expressed his support for the Russian president in 2017, when he launched a social movement entitled the “Putin Team.”

At that juncture, he remarked to reporters from The Washington Post, “I just support my country.”

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Ovechkin, upon being asked about the situation, said, “Please, no more war.”

When subsequently questioned about his relationship with Putin, Ovechkin remarked: “He’s my president, but I’m not in politics. I’m an athlete.”

This week's parliamentary election in Russia features United Russia alongside nine other parties, all of which endorse Putin's policies.

The sole party that opposed the war in Ukraine has been excluded from the ballot.

Ovechkin, who celebrated his 41st birthday on Thursday, affirmed his intention to reside in Russia upon retiring from the NHL.

“I intend to remain there.

I intend to reside there; my children will reside there, my family.

Consequently, I advocate peace and love, and I hope everything will turn out well,” Ovechkin said.

“My homeland is Russia.

DC constitutes my second home.

I have a great many friends.

I matured here as an individual and I cherish DC.

This constitutes my second home.

Therefore, I hope everything will turn out well, and as I stated — peace and love for everyone.”

There was speculation that last season would be Ovechkin’s last, yet he opted to remain with the Capitals for at least another year — and he remains noncommittal about what the future might hold beyond 2026-27.

“At this juncture, my exclusive preoccupation is with training camp,” Ovechkin said.

“I am obliged to secure a position on the team.”

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