From Russian Champion to English Grandmaster: Nikita Vitiugov’s Journey Amidst the Ukraine War
Nikita Vitiugov, a chess grandmaster, feels at home in London due to its weather, which reminds him of St Petersburg. Once a rising star in Russian chess, he now plays for England after speaking out against the war in Ukraine, fearing for his safety if he returns to Russia.
Many Russian chess players have condemned the war since the invasion in February 2022. Nikita was one of them, making a public declaration on social media that Russians and Ukrainians are “brothers, not enemies.”
Nikita, now 37, lives in north London with his wife and young son. He chose to adopt England as his home, becoming the first high-profile Russian player to represent England after changing his national flag to the St George’s Cross.
He refers to Russian claims that London is the “capital of hell” with a smile. The UK’s support for Ukraine has drawn criticism from Russian media, and Russian players cannot compete under their national flag due to sanctions against the Russian Chess Federation.
Before the invasion, Nikita was the reigning Russian chess champion but knew he could not stay in Russia after the attack began. He described leaving as a painful divorce from his previous life, having played chess since age five and cherished his national pride.
How has Nikita Vitiugov’s stance on the war in Ukraine influenced his chess career and personal life?
Interview with Nikita Vitiugov: A New Chapter in Chess and Life
News Directory 3: Nikita, thank you for joining us. You’ve had quite a journey from being a rising star in Russian chess to playing for England. Can you share what this transition has been like for you?
Nikita Vitiugov: It’s been a deeply emotional experience. Leaving Russia felt like a painful divorce from my past. I’ve played chess since I was five, and my identity was closely tied to my national pride. The recent events made it clear I needed to make a change for my safety and the future of my family. Moving to England has allowed me not only to continue my chess career but also to live in a place where I feel free.
News Directory 3: You mentioned your safety concerns. Could you elaborate on that and how it influenced your decision to speak out against the war in ukraine?
Nikita Vitiugov: When the invasion began in February 2022, I felt compelled to speak up. I wrote on social media that Russians and Ukrainians are “brothers, not enemies.” It was a personal stand against the war.After I publicly condemned the actions of the Russian government, I realized returning to Russia could jeopardize my safety and that of my family.
News Directory 3: How has life in London been for you, especially in terms of settling down and creating a home for your family?
Nikita Vitiugov: London feels like home, especially as the weather reminds me of St Petersburg. My wife and I are grateful for the opportunities here. we’ve settled in north London with our young son, and I’m committed to giving him the best future possible. The freedoms we enjoy here are invaluable.
News Directory 3: you have become the first high-profile player to represent England. How did that process happen, given the usual restrictions involved in switching national teams?
Nikita Vitiugov: It’s true that switching national teams typically involves a lengthy process or meaningful fees. However, with support from English officials, I was able to join the English Chess Federation relatively quickly. this support made all the difference in my transition and allowed me to focus on my chess career again.
News Directory 3: you’re preparing for the London Chess Classic coming up at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. How do you feel about competing in this tournament?
Nikita Vitiugov: I’m excited! Competing in the London chess Classic is a fantastic opportunity to face some of the top players in the world and to establish my presence in English chess. Ironically, I’m a Tottenham fan, but the chance to play at such an iconic venue is thrilling irrespective.
News Directory 3: Who do you look up to in the chess world, and how has that influenced your journey?
Nikita vitiugov: I greatly admire Viktor Korchnoi, who also defected from the Soviet Union.His journey and contributions to chess inspire me.I see my move to England as a way to strengthen not only my position but also the English chess team.
News Directory 3: Lastly, do you have any goals for the upcoming British championships?
Nikita Vitiugov: Yes, I hope to make a significant impact. I wont to show that I can be a strong competitor in English chess and contribute to the team’s success. My journey has been challenging, but I’m ready to embrace this new chapter with determination and passion.
Switching national teams usually required a hefty fee or a waiting period, but with assistance from English officials, he joined the English Chess Federation. Now, he feels grateful for the freedoms in the UK and is committed to providing the best future for his son.
He is excited to compete in the London Chess Classic, hosted in Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, though he is a Tottenham fan. This tournament offers him the chance to face top players and reestablish his presence in chess.
Nikita admires Viktor Korchnoi, a chess idol who also defected from the Soviet Union. Nikita’s move has significantly strengthened the English chess team, placing him among the top players in the country.
He is eager for the upcoming British championships, where he hopes to make a mark as a significant new player in English chess.