Alex Ovechkin addressed his appearance in a video for Russian President Vladimir Putin's political party, saying he accepted the request without hesitation and supports his native country while reiterating he "is for peace and love."

"I want the peace and love for everybody," Ovechkin told ESPN. "It doesn't matter who you are, American, Russian or Ukrainian." Asked about the ad, in which Russia's foreign minister delivered propaganda blaming Ukrainians, Ovechkin said he was "not pro-war" and only supports "what's happening in Russia." He added, "I'm not in politics. I can't say who's right and who's wrong."

Ovechkin, 41, filmed the ad three weeks ago and did not tell the Washington Capitals before signing a one-year extension in July. GM Chris Patrick said if Ovechkin had told the team, "we would have worked to avoid the situation very hard." Patrick expressed sympathy, calling Ovechkin "a really big-hearted person."

The ad aired earlier this month, featuring Ovechkin behind Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., called on the NHL to consider banning Ovechkin. The league did not comment.