Ukrainian Chess Federation blasts presidential aide after accepting FIDE position alongside a Russian, urges SBU probe

The Ukrainian Chess Federation (UCF) has lodged a protest following Mykhailo Podolyak's acceptance of a vice president position at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) alongside a Russian individual. The UCF claims that Podolyak's actions during Russia's ongoing armed aggression against Ukraine undermine the nation's sovereignty and damage Ukraine's international image.

They described his actions as "treason against Ukraine's national interests" and demanded that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) investigate him. Meanwhile, Timur Turlov, a Ukrainian-born, Moscow-based businessman, was elected FIDE's president. He subsequently appointed Podolyak and Russia's former sports minister, Pavel Kolobkov, as vice presidents.

Before his appointment, Turlov had invited Podolyak to join the FIDE team, stating his commitment to Ukraine playing a more significant role in global sports. Podolyak responded positively, expressing his interest in Ukraine's increased involvement in global sports. The UCF stated that they did not authorize Podolyak as a representative, citing his lack of ties to the Ukrainian chess community and the country's chess federation.

They also noted that Kolobkov cannot hold this position due to Russia's suspension from FIDE. The federation's president, Alexander Kamyshin, and the SBU have not commented on the UCF's statement.