Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine has now extended its reach into the world of chess.
In response to Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) voted to ban the Russian national team and officials from participating in competitions.
This decision was a significant setback for Russia, a country with a storied history in chess. However, the Kremlin is making a concerted effort to push back.
A pivotal vote at the upcoming FIDE General Assembly in Budapest could result in the full reinstatement of Russia in international chess events.
Ukrainians, backed by allies from several nations, are mobilizing to prevent this development.
“Russia’s control of FIDE is absolute,” stated a representative from the English Chess Federation. The FIDE president, a former Russian deputy prime minister, has been accused of orchestrating a takeover of the organization, altering its constitution to consolidate power.
“What we are witnessing is reminiscent of the Soviet era,” the representative explained. “Any vote that Russia wishes to pass invariably does so.”
FIDE is affiliated with the International Olympic Committee, and there are calls for the IOC to pressure the federation to uphold sanctions against Russia.
A proposal to lift all sanctions against Russia has been submitted by the Chess Federation of Kyrgyzstan, a prominent ally of Russia in Central Asia.
Support for Moscow is expected from other countries at the FIDE congress as well. The head of the German Chess Federation commented that many federations, especially in Africa and Asia, could be swayed to vote in Russia’s favor.
“It’s alarming to see pro-Russian influences attempting to take control,” she remarked.
In June, a FIDE commission imposed sanctions on the Russian Chess Federation for “bringing chess into disrepute” and for breaking international principles, resulting in a two-year ban.
The investigation revealed that the Russian federation had organized tournaments in parts of Ukraine under illegal occupation by Russian forces and reprimanded the Russian president of FIDE for his association with the federation’s board.
Other board members, including certain Kremlin officials facing international sanctions, have also come under scrutiny.
The FIDE president indicated that many on the council disagreed with the ban and planned to appeal it. He acknowledged the assembly’s obligation to address such a significant issue for the global chess community.
Next week’s critical vote at the FIDE General Assembly will specifically address sanctions from 2022, which exclude the Russian national chess team, flag, anthem, and officials from all international events.
Ukraine’s initiative to prevent Russia from regaining control of FIDE is a high-priority matter.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has tasked his adviser with overseeing efforts to maintain Ukraine’s stance, highlighting the sensitivity and urgency surrounding the issue.
“The proposed vote in Budapest surprised me,” said the head of the Ukrainian Chess Federation. “We’ve lost 21 chess players in this war. It’s unjust to entertain this discussion while Russia continues to harm our civilians and athletes.”
While Russian officials have labeled the sanctions against their federation as politically motivated, concerns have been raised about the potential repercussions should Russia be readmitted to the chess community.
“Allowing Russia back would be a significant propaganda victory,” warned a representative from the English Chess Federation.
For Ukraine and its Western allies, the world of chess represents just one front in their broader campaign to uphold sanctions and resist Russia’s influence.
As the conflict endures, the calls for Moscow’s reintegration into the global community are becoming increasingly vocal.
