The chess community faces major disruption as International Chess Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich announced he would step back after appearing on the European Union's updated sanctions roster.

Dvorkovich, 54, a prior Russian deputy prime minister and Kremlin adviser, now deals with an EU travel prohibition and asset restrictions.

The EU justified his listing by noting his public endorsement of Crimea's annexation and references to occupied Ukrainian cities as fresh regions of the Russian Federation.

In a release, Dvorkovich stated he chose to voluntarily pause his powers and duties, yet informed the BBC he had not stepped down.

He labeled the sanctions ruling unlawful and unjust, claiming they aimed to block his candidacy and service for FIDE.

Ukraine has welcomed the action as a key success.

Dvorkovich won election as FIDE President in 2018 and secured re-election in 2022.

The EU further referenced his role on the Chess Federation of Russia board, which has hosted events in occupied Ukrainian zones.

We hope never to see this man in the chess world again, stated Volodymyr Kovalchuk, first vice president of the Ukrainian Chess Federation. Individuals advancing sport to benefit an aggressor state hold no spot in top global roles.

Malcolm Pein, England's FIDE delegate, called the decision an earthquake and a major diplomatic win for Ukraine.

It could sharply diminish Russia's sway in chess, an area the former USSR and then Russia has led and leveraged for soft power since the Second World War, he told the BBC.

Arkady Dvorkovich has guided the federation through one of the game's most unsettled eras.

After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago, Russian national teams faced bans from international chess events.

Yet Ukraine and partners argue Russian sway inside FIDE has grown under Dvorkovich's tenure.

Moscow stands accused of a gradual takeover of the federation by altering internal rules and urging officials from other nations to support Russia's positions, claims Moscow rejects.

Two years ago under Dvorkovich, efforts sought to restore Russian teams and officials. However, in a key September 2024 vote, the FIDE general assembly chose to keep sanctions on Russia and Belarus.

Volodymyr Kovalchuk contends Russia spent heavily to dominate the federation. They viewed chess as a mark of intellectual edge. This explains why control matters greatly: through FIDE, views aligned with Moscow were advanced, he said.

Arkady Dvorkovich disputed this in written replies to the BBC, asserting accusations of Russian influence lack basis and clash with FIDE's actual governance.

FIDE operates from Switzerland, with top leaders drawn from India, Norway, Latvia, the US, Italy, France, and nations worldwide.

The former Kremlin figure planned to seek re-election as FIDE head in September, yet his path forward remains unclear.

Chess enjoys global growth, with record viewership fueling major sponsorships and star status for figures like Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen.

Yet talk now centers on how the possible exit of one of international chess's most influential and debated leaders might open a fresh chapter in the sport's direction.