Russian-born NHL career goal-scoring leader Alex Ovechkin on Thursday, at the start of training camp for his Washington Capitals, faced media questions about appearing in a video this summer promoting Russian President Vladamir Putin's political party.

Ovechkin, who didn't get clearance from team officials to appear in the video, said the Russian government requested his appearance and that he accepted without hesitation. 

He said he was surprised by the backlash and that he supports his native country while insisting he's "for peace and love," according to ESPN. 

The video included a message from Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov.

The 41-year-old Ovechkin's appearance has sparked international criticism, considering Russia mounted an offensive against neighboring Ukraine in 2014, then a full-scale invasion in 2022 that has resulted in more than 1 million military and civilian casualties.

Ovechkin, who in July signed a one-year extension with the Capitals, when asked about his appearance, also said he is "not pro-war" and hopes the war will "be done soon." 

Ovechkin, who was born in Moscow and lives there in the off season, also said he is "not in politics" but would support his country no matter what. 

Capitals general manager Chris Patrick told ESPN that Ovechkin had told the team he planned to film the ad, "We would have worked to avoid the situation very hard. And I doubt we'd be standing where we're standing right now if he had run it by us."