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NHL top star facing backlash after supporting Putin’s party in Russian elections
Latvia imposed a travel ban after Ovechkin appeared in a pro-Putin campaign ad that drew criticism across Europe, the United States and Canada.
- On Thursday, Latvia banned Alexander Ovechkin from entering the country, while the Latvian Ministry also barred Kremlin-connected businessman Umar Kremlev from entry.
- Ovechkin appeared in an election advertisement for President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, endorsing Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ahead of parliamentary elections this weekend.
- Washington Capitals general manager Chris Patrick stated the team was unaware of the filming, while Rep. Joe Wilson urged NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to review league policies, calling the support "incredibly alarming."
- Defending his actions, Ovechkin told reporters on Thursday he felt no hesitation appearing in the video, saying "I support my country" and expecting to retire to Russia once his career ends.
- The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, representing roughly 1.3 million Canadians, demanded sanctions, calling Ovechkin "a disgusting supporter of Russia," while the Ukrainian Athletics Federation argued sports and politics cannot be separated regarding the Russian Federation.
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NHL top star facing backlash after supporting Putin’s party in Russian elections
By Ivana Kottasová, CNN (CNN) — Russian NHL hockey star Alexander Ovechkin is facing a wave of criticism after appearing in an election ad for President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party.A video released ahead of Russia’s parliamentary elections this weekend shows the hockey star endorsing Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is one of the political
·Panama City, United States
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