Russia's membership in the FIDE has been suspended for two years. What happened?

Russia's membership in the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has been suspended for two years. This decision was made by the organization's Ethics Commission.

The decision came after a review of a case in which Russia was accused of violating FIDE's charter and moral-disciplinary code.

It was noted that the Russian Chess Federation had contacts with sanctioned individuals, organized chess tournaments in occupied Ukrainian territories, and failed to maintain political neutrality.

The suspension means that the organization is barred from participating in FIDE-organized events. However, the sanctions do not apply to players, coaches, referees, and clubs representing the Russian Chess Federation.

Russian and Belarusian chess players are permitted to compete in FIDE tournaments under a "neutral" status.