Ukraine"s Kamyshin fights to keep chess free from Russian influence

Oleksandr Kamyshin, previously Ukraine's minister of strategic industries, played a crucial role in enhancing the country's drone production amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Following his election as president of the Ukrainian Chess Federation, he is now focused on preventing Russia from regaining its membership in the International Chess Federation (FIDE). This comes after Russia and Belarus were expelled from many international organizations due to their aggressive actions in Ukraine since February 2022. Kamyshin is particularly concerned about a motion initiated by Kyrgyzstan to lift sanctions against Russia at an upcoming FIDE conference in Budapest. He argues that allowing Russia to return would be morally wrong, especially considering the sacrifices made by Ukrainian chess players, with at least 21 members having died in the conflict. He emphasizes that no Russian representation should be allowed in international chess until the war ceases. In response to the potential lifting of sanctions, Kamyshin and other Ukrainian officials have sent a letter to FIDE, urging them to refrain from discussing the matter. They believe that restoring Russia's rights would tarnish the integrity of the chess community and make it 'toxic.' Kamyshin's leadership in both the chess federation and his advisory role to President Zelensky highlights his commitment to Ukraine's defense and cultural integrity. Kamyshin, a lifelong chess enthusiast, aims to promote the game within Ukraine, believing it fosters intelligence and strategic thinking. He envisions a future where more Ukrainians engage in chess, ultimately strengthening the nation both intellectually and competitively on the world stage.