Alex Ovechkin Appears in Video Supporting Putin's Party
The Story
Hockey player Alexander Ovechkin appeared in a video promoting the ruling United Russia party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, ahead of Russia's parliamentary elections from September 18 to 20.
Ovechkin, who is preparing for his 22nd NHL season with the Washington Capitals in the United States, was seen in the background behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the video shared on social media. Ovechkin has a history of supporting Putin, previously announcing the creation of "PutinTeam" in 2017 to support Putin's 2018 presidential campaign.
He wrote at the time that he had never hidden his feelings about the president and was certain many supported Vladimir Putin, urging them to unite and show the world a strong, united Russia. Ovechkin's appearance has drawn criticism, including from Ukrainian skeleton pilot Vladyslav Heraskevych. Ovechkin will not be in Russia to cast his ballot in person.
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- LeftJacobinJacobin (opens the publisher’s site)
- Center-LeftUkrainska Pravda (English)Ukrainska Pravda (English) (opens the publisher’s site)
- Center-LeftMediaiteMediaite (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterFinancial TimesFinancial Times (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterThe ConversationThe Conversation (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterThe Daily BeastThe Daily Beast (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterDeutsche WelleDeutsche Welle (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterForeign PolicyForeign Policy (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterAsia TimesAsia Times (opens the publisher’s site)
- RightThe Spectator (Australia)The Spectator (Australia) (opens the publisher’s site)