Ovechkin Was Barred From Entering Latvia After A “United Russia” Video
5- 18.09.2026, 16:20
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The NHL star had previously been criticized on numerous occasions for his close relationship with Putin.
Alexander Ovechkin , captain of the Washington Capitals , has been barred from entering Latvia for an indefinite period. The decision was made by the country’s foreign minister Baiba Braže after the hockey player appeared in a campaign ad for the Russian party “United Russia.” The information has been confirmed by the Latvian Foreign Ministry, according to Bild (translation by the website Charter97.org).
In the video, Ovechkin appeared alongside other prominent Russians, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The video was released on the eve of the State Duma elections, which are taking place in Russia on September 18–20.
The hockey player himself did not deny his participation in the campaign. At the Washington Capitals’ training camp, he stated: “I was asked. I said yes. It’s simple. I’m Russian, and I plan to live there when I finish my career. My children and family will live there. I support my country. It’s simply a way of supporting what’s happening in Russia.”
When asked about his position, Ovechkin replied: “I’m Russian and I support my country.” He added that he advocates for peace and hopes for an end to the war.
Latvia’s decision does not concern Ovechkin alone. The president of the International Boxing Association, Umar Kremlev, has also been added to the list of undesirable persons. Both have been banned from entering the country indefinitely.
The incident has also sparked a reaction in the U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson called on the NHL to investigate Ovechkin’s participation in the political video. The hockey team’s general manager, Chris Patrick, called the situation “complicated” and acknowledged that he understands why it has caused discontent.
At the same time, the club stated that Ovechkin had not coordinated his participation in the video with team management. The hockey player had previously been criticized on multiple occasions for his close ties to Putin. After Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ovechkin publicly stated, “Please, no more war.”
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