The chess world is reeling as Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and a former Russian deputy prime minister, announces his suspension from FIDE following his inclusion on the European Union's latest list of sanctioned Russians. Mr Dvorkovich describes the designation as "unlawful and unfair," highlighting the growing global repercussions of the Ukraine conflict.
The EU's most substantial sanctions package in four years targets a broad spectrum of 218 individuals and entities, including over 100 banks and cryptocurrency operators, more than 40 vessels belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet", and several oil refineries. The measures also add more than 50 military-industrial entities involved in the production of Russia's long-range drones to the sanctions list. Crucially, the Russian oil price cap has been frozen at $44.10 per barrel for the next 12 months, preventing an automatic increase that would have seen it rise to approximately $58.50.
The latest additions bring the total number of EU designations to nearly 3,000, including a full asset-freeze on 94 Russian financial institutions and the disconnection of 33 Russian banks from the Swift international payments system. Moscow's stock exchange has also been added to the sanctions list. Internationally, banks and cryptocurrency platforms in countries such as Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, India, Georgia, Panama, the Marshall Islands, Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, and various African nations are affected.
The package further targets individuals and entities linked to Russia's satellite communications system, being developed as an alternative to Starlink. Fifty-six entities and persons have been added to the sanctions list due to their involvement in Russia's military industrial complex, with many specifically tied to the production of Garpiya long-range drones. Additionally, 51 entities, including some in third countries like China (including Hong Kong), India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and the UAE, face export restrictions on dual-use goods and technology.
Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine continues unabated, with reports of a Russian attack on a food business in Pavlohrad resulting in three fatalities and at least 10 injuries. Ukrainian strikes have also reportedly killed three people, including a child, and wounded eight in Russia and Moscow-annexed Crimea. The UK Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Ukraine, Russia, and Crimea due to the ongoing conflict and security risks.
As the world grapples with the fallout from these latest sanctions, British traders are bracing for impact as commodity prices continue to fluctuate. The ripple effects of this conflict on the UK economy are a pressing concern, particularly in light of the potential shortages and price increases that could follow.
The chess community's response to Mr Dvorkovich's suspension is being closely watched, with Indian world chess champion Viswanathan Anand set to assume the role of interim president for FIDE. This development has sparked debate about the implications of politics on international sporting bodies.