Surrealpolitik

Russian Grandmaster Sergey Alexandrovich Karjakin, in an interview with Anton Vyacheslavovich Krasovsky on the air of the RT talk show “Антонимы” (“The Antonyms”), gave some more insights into his reasons for his public statements with respect to the Russo–Ukrainian war — for which he was banned for six months by FIDE. “I took into account the possibility of being sanctioned, but I thought it was much more important for me to speak out now — however painful it might be. Well, there are times in life when one cannot remain silent”, Karjakin said. “I say, if they offend your wife — would you stand up for her? So I did what any man in his right mind would do. One cannot always keep silent, not even for politics — it’s impossible. I don’t know how to explain it in words, but it’s obvious to me, at least, that I just couldn’t keep silent. Hence, I was well aware that in 2014 I was hit with light sanctions as a consequence of my views and opinions on the Crimean crisis. And I was conscious that this time — all differences considered — things could get much worse for me. I knew it. I knew what I was going for. But still — even when I think back now — I do not regret anything”.
On the other hand, Karjakin’s secessionist project (or threat) to create a new chess association is, for the moment, stalled, because “Now all my thoughts are about filing an appeal [against the ruling of FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission]. It ought to be presented within 21 days of time, but a week has already passed, so we have to get a move on” he told TASS. “My lawyers are still debating whether to appeal through CAS or FIDE”.
In the meantime, Chinese Grandmaster and world No. 2 丁立人 (Dīng Lìrén), who spent last two years quarantined in the oblivion of the Celestial Empire, has all the reasons — even if he is an atheist — to pray Caïssa for the grace to get a spot in the “Magnificent Eight” of the 2022 Candidates Tournament.