"I think about the civilians of Ukraine." Arkady Dvorkovich spoke out against the war

The President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Arkady Dvorkovich , who in the past held high positions in the Kremlin and the Russian government, spoke out against Russia's war with Ukraine. He stated this in an interview with the American magazine Mother Jones.

Wars are the worst thing a person can face in life. Any war. Anywhere. Including this war. Wars don’t just kill precious lives. Wars kill hopes and aspirations, freeze or destroy relationships and connections.

Dvorkovich said that FIDE opposes “this war and all wars” and condemns any use of military means to resolve political conflicts.

I think of the civilians of Ukraine, including many players, who are in danger and cannot compete or even think about chess during the war. FIDE will do everything possible to bring Ukrainians and everyone else back to chess when conditions allow.

Dvorkovich said the International Chess Federation is seeking to ensure that official chess tournaments are not held in Russia and Belarus, and that players are not allowed to represent Russia or Belarus in official or rated competitions, “until the war ends and Ukrainian players return to chess.”

I know that many connections have already been broken. And some friendships are unlikely to be restored. But I dream of Ukrainian and Russian chess players competing with each other again. Not against each other, but together.