Russian chess player Andrei Esipenko answered a question about changing citizenship. His words are quoted “Championship”.
“There were conversations, hints, but no direct offers. I never seriously discussed this issue as I had no plans to change the Federation. I wanted and want to stay in Russia, so the conversations went nowhere. Of course, many chess players changed federations. I don’t blame their choice. They decided this way, but I decided differently,” Esipenko said.
In 2022, Esipenko signed a letter to Vladimir Putin condemning the conduct of a special military operation (SVO) from 44 chess players.
Esipenko participated in the European Chess Championship in March 2023, where he finished 8th out of 11.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has decided to deprive Russian and Belarusian chess players of the right to compete in tournaments under the flag and anthem of their countries in 2022. Chess players will be able to participate in competitions under the flags of the Russian Chess Federation (RFC) / Belarusian Chess Federation (BCF) or FIDE.
The FIDE Council had previously allowed the FCR to move from the European Chess Union to the Asian Chess Federation.
Previously chess player Karjakin explainedWhy is he going to NWO territory again?