{
  "id": 8064189,
  "title": "Ovechkin on Russian political video: 'I support my country'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/ovechkin-on-russian-political-video-i-support-my-country",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T17:20:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ovechkin-russian-political-video-support-172053432.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New York Rangers legend Alex Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, spoke about his appearance in a Russian political video supporting Vladimir Putin on Thursday. The NHL all-time goals leader, who recently turned 41, said he supports his homeland and has no hesitation in making the video for the United Russia Party. Ovechkin, who has scored 929 career goals and is set to begin his 22nd NHL campaign with Washington, expressed his desire to live in Russia with his family. He hopes for peace and love in Russia, as well as for everyone. Ovechkin had previously been questioned about his involvement in the video following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but the conflict continues. He was lured back to Washington by off-season moves that made the team a Stanley Cup contender once again, after he led them to victory in 2018. At 41, Ovechkin is focused on training camp and making the team, knowing every year it becomes harder.",
  "summary": "NHL all-time scoring leader Alex Ovechkin explained his appearance in a Russian political video backing Vladimir Putin on Thursday by saying he supports his homeland.Ovechkin's appearance in a video standing alongside other notable Russians in a political video backing Putin ahead of Russian elections drew harsh criticism from some, with US Representative Joe Wilson calling on the NHL to review…",
  "key_points": [
    "Alex Ovechkin appears in Russian political video supporting Vladimir Putin",
    "41-year-old Ovechkin supports his homeland in the video",
    "Ovechkin hopes for peace and love in Russia"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "NHL-'I'm Russian,' Ovechkin says about decision to film United Russia ad",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/nhl-im-russian-ovechkin-says-about-decision-to-film-united-russia-ad",
        "published": "2026-09-17T16:41:49.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "‘I’m Russian’: NHL star Ovechkin defends Putin ad appearance",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/im-russian-nhl-star-ovechkin-defends-putin-ad-appearance",
        "published": "2026-09-17T18:02:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}