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NHL star Alex Ovechkin's team said the Russian hockey icon was asked to film an advertisement supporting President Vladimir Putin, joining other prominent Russian figures promoting the ruling United Russia party ahead of elections. The request highlighted the Kremlin's efforts to enlist celebrities to boost turnout and support for the ruling party. Russians are now voting in the first election since 2022, with United Russia facing scrutiny over whether opposition parties can mount any meaningful challenge to the Putin-backed party. Analysts note that restrictions on genuine opposition and state media dominance make a competitive contest unlikely, even as the Kremlin continues to mobilize public figures like Ovechkin to bolster its image.