The static $Q\bar Q$ interaction at small distances and OPE violating terms

Nonperturbative contribution to the one-gluon exchange produces a universal linear term in the static potential at small distances $\Delta V=\frac{6N_c \alpha_s \sigma r}{2\pi}$. Its role in the resolution of long--standing discrepancies in the fine splitting of heavy quarkonia and improved agreement with lattice data for static potentials is discussed, as well as implications for OPE violating terms in other processes.