EU sanctions force Russian chess federation president to step down; new strikes in Ukraine
The EU has introduced its largest sanctions package against Russia in four years, forcing the president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich, to suspend his activities. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy faces pressure to reinstate the dismissed defense minister, and MAGA influencer Laura Loomer visited Ukraine.
Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and former Russian deputy prime minister, announced on Friday that he is suspending his activity with the organization after being placed on the EU sanctions list. Dvorkovich called the designation "unlawful and unfair." Indian world chess champion Viswanathan Anand will serve as interim president. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated the sanctions package is the largest in four years, targeting over 100 banks and cryptocurrency operators, more than 40 vessels from Russia's so-called shadow fleet, and several oil refineries. The list adds over 50 military-industrial entities, including key actors involved in producing Russia's long-range drones. The Russian oil price cap is frozen at $44.10 per barrel for 12 months, preventing an automatic increase to $58.50. Total designations now number nearly 3,000. A full asset freeze applies to 94 Russian financial institutions, and 33 Russian banks are disconnected from the SWIFT international payments system. Moscow's stock exchange is also sanctioned. Internationally, banks or crypto platforms in Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, India, Georgia, Panama, the Marshall Islands, Belarus, the UAE, and African nations are hit. The package also targets actors linked to Russia's satellite communications system being developed as an alternative to Starlink. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains under pressure to reinstate ousted defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who said he would not accept alternative roles. MAGA influencer Laura Loomer visited Ukraine and met with Zelenskyy, reversing her previous stance that minimized Russia's invasion and spread Russian propaganda. Loomer acknowledged the daily air raids faced by Ukrainians. A Russian attack on a food business in Pavlohrad killed three and injured at least ten, according to regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha. Ukrainian strikes killed three people, including a child, and wounded eight in Russia and annexed Crimea on Thursday.
