Grandmaster Vladimir Fedoseev just faced a tough move from his home country. Russia stripped him of his Master of Sports and Grandmaster of Russia titles after he spoke out against the war in Ukraine and switched to representing Slovenia.
The decision hit hard and fast. Russia’s Ministry of Sports, led by Minister Mikhail Degtyarev, signed the order recently. Alexander Tkachev, executive director of the Russian Chess Federation, backed it fully. He told TASS that Fedoseev discredited his homeland and teachers, the ones who helped him rise to grandmaster status. “You can’t disparage your teachers or your homeland… You’re simply unworthy of them after such statements,” Tkachev said.
Vladimir Fedoseev: One Of Russia’s Finest Talents
Vladimir Fedoseev’s journey adds real drama to this story. Once one of Russia’s brightest young talents, he earned the absolute European Under-18 Championship in 2013 and bronze medals at the European and World Under-20 events in 2014. He became Master of Sports in 2012 and Grandmaster two years later. But in 2022, right after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he refused to play under the Russian Chess Federation flag at the Belgrade Grand Prix. He called it a sign of loyalty to the country and left Russia for good, not wanting to represent it anymore.
By July 2023, Vladimir Fedoseev officially switched to Slovenia. He kept competing at a high level, even sharing first place with Ian Nepomniachtchi at the recent Vugar Gashimov Memorial in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, finishing second on tiebreaks. He has ties there too, having worked as a second for Azerbaijan’s Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in the mid-2010s, including at Shamkir events.
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Not everyone in Russia agrees with letting him keep the honours. Anatoly Karpov, the 12th World Champion and State Duma deputy, called the punishment “well deserved.” He praised the move in an RIA Novosti interview, saying Fedoseev crossed a line by changing citizenship and criticising the country.
This saga shows chess’s bigger battles. Vladimir Fedoseev paid a price for his principles, losing titles tied to his early success. Yet he keeps playing strongly under Slovenia’s flag. Fans and organisers who value freedom have rallied behind him. Peter Heine Nielsen urged tournaments to invite him, noting his stand against playing for Russia. Chess worlds watch as top players navigate politics and personal choices. Stay tuned, this story has more moves left.
Also read: Chess Legend Judit Polgar Gets A Netflix Tribute, A Lookback At Her Milestones
