Meetings with Putin over tea in Sochi during 2014, appearances by Peskov in New York in 2016, backing from wealthy sponsors in Dubai in 2021, along with further instances illustrate how Russian figures have shaped the international chess landscape, according to an account from insider Peter Heine Nielsen, coach to champion Magnus Carlsen.

EUobserver: What brings you to Hong Kong on this date (16 June)?

Heine Nielsen: Serving as coach to Magnus, who competes here in the World Rapid and Blitz event, explains my presence. We also saw FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich handle the formal opening remarks alongside Magnus and fellow participants. The entire chess community has gathered for this occasion.

How does Dvorkovich typically participate in FIDE competitions?

He oversees the event in a leadership capacity, though FIDE staff manage the practical arrangements. Dvorkovich circulates among competitors and engages in conversations. He remains accessible, and I have exchanged words with him. At the same time, he connects with prominent local guests and officials, which some view as efforts toward re-election or advancing Russian interests abroad, while he frames it as routine duties.

Do Carlsen and Dvorkovich converse?

They exchange limited words. Carlsen generally avoids extended discussions and steers clear of chess governance matters. My own comments reflect personal perspectives only and do not represent his positions. Professional boundaries require me to uphold confidentiality in my coaching role.

Were you present when Russian president Vladimir Putin posed alongside Carlsen during the Sochi event in 2014?

The World Championship match occurred there under Dvorkovich's primary organization. The image dates from the final ceremony after the annexation developments. I had already begun coaching Magnus but departed early due to recent fatherhood, leaving right after the prior day's conclusion. Putin extended invitations for tea to chess figures at that time, reflecting the high regard for the game in Russian circles then.

I have observed numerous senior Russian officials at FIDE title events. During the 2016 championship in New York, where Magnus defended against challenger Sergey Karjakin, now a senator, Peskov attended the proceedings. Unfamiliar with him initially, I learned his identity later, yet he stood close by supporting the Russian side, which ultimately fell short. Reports later indicated Kremlin efforts to leverage the matches for diplomatic contacts.

At the 2021 championship in Dubai, fertiliser magnate Andrey Guryev presented the award. Retail executive Andrey Simanovsky contributed sponsorship, while Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin and governor Natalia Komarova appeared as distinguished guests introduced by Dvorkovich and performed opening moves. Such events often feature clusters of influential Russians accompanied by their support teams.

Would Carlsen compete in Russia or face Russian players?

He has avoided Russian venues since the 2022 developments. Participation there has remained minimal among top players overall.

Matches against Russian opponents have taken place, however. Avoiding them entirely would limit access to major competitions. Magnus has secured multiple Rapid, Blitz, and Freestyle crowns, yet FIDE determines entry eligibility. Despite earlier Olympic restrictions on Russian athletes even in neutral status, FIDE permitted their involvement promptly following the full-scale invasion.