In a world fixated on the front lines, another kind of battle was waged far from the trenches—one involving pawns, bishops, and the unwavering resolve of the human mind. At the recent European Team Championship (ETC), Ukraine achieved an extraordinary double victory: Gold for the men`s team and Silver for the women. This success was not merely a footnote in sporting history; it was a profound, symbolic act of national persistence, orchestrated by a leadership that returned out of moral duty.
The Call to Duty: Veterans Return to the Helm
The path to the ETC was strewn with formidable organizational hurdles. The 2022 full-scale invasion scattered the chess community: players emigrated, key coaches departed, and funding dissolved. For the 2023 team events, fielding a men’s squad proved impossible—an almost unthinkable blow to a nation with a deep chess pedigree.
In this moment of crisis, the Ukrainian Chess Federation turned to two grandmaster veterans: Alexander Beliavsky and Adrian Mikhalchishin. Beliavsky, who had represented Ukraine for decades before playing for Slovenia for 30 years, and Mikhalchishin, a lifelong representative and former junior trainer, felt an undeniable obligation. “We discussed the situation and felt we had a duty to return during wartime,” Mikhalchishin stated. Their combined expertise and shared sense of purpose became the backbone of the renewed national effort.
Mikhalchishin highlighted the severe disruption caused by the war, including logistical nightmares and even politically charged border questioning (in Georgia, the tournament host), noting, with a touch of technical irony, that anti-cheating measures were often just an added nuisance that increased costs rather than boosting security.
Assembling the Weapon: Strategy and Spirit
The co-captains had to manage a delicate blend of experience and fresh energy. Following a modest performance at the Budapest Olympiad, the goal was revitalization. A crucial decision was the selection of Ihor Kovalenko and Ihor Samunenkov. Kovalenko, uniquely, was returning to competitive chess after serving three years on the battlefield, a living testament to the sacrifices demanded of Ukrainian men. Samunenkov brought the necessary youth and energy.
The veterans, Ruslan Ponomariov and Anton Korobov, were assigned roles commensurate with their experience. Ponomariov, despite some recent form concerns, was tasked with stabilizing Board One, aiming to neutralize the strongest opponents. Volokitin and Korobov were expected to hold Board Two, relying on the two Ihors (Kovalenko and Samunenkov) for crucial wins.
Mikhalchishin, responsible for team morale, instituted daily one-hour walks—a tradition he called “tanking oxygen,” citing the wisdom of World Champion Mikhail Botvinnik. This simple routine, paired with shared meals, was instrumental in fostering the “winner’s memory”—the intangible fighting spirit that veterans of successful Olympiad teams carry, and which proved far more valuable than marginal Elo differences.
The Engine of Victory: Key Performance Indicators
Entering the championship as the ninth seed, Ukraine was hardly favored for a medal. Beliavsky emphasized that the collective team spirit transcended individual ratings, recalling Armenia`s success in past Olympiads. “We had that spirit,” he confirmed.
The preparation for Kovalenko was unusual: a training match against Samunenkov in Morshyn, arranged after his return from the army, proved invaluable. Kovalenko demonstrated exceptional confidence. When facing the Dutch GM Loek van Wely, he simply declared, “I just need to get through the opening. I know what to do afterwards.” He won brilliantly.
A pivotal moment in the entire tournament was Andrey Volokitin`s dynamic play against German GM Matthias Blübaum. Volokitin managed to tear apart a solid white center, displaying a level of calculation and initiative that profoundly damaged the German team`s chances, securing a vital win for Ukraine. Ponomariov, meanwhile, held the top board with stoic dedication, drawing all his games and providing rock-solid foundation for the team`s overall score.
The Unbearable Weight of Reality
While the Gold medal ceremony took place in Batumi, the grim reality of life in Ukraine continued. The war casts a long shadow over the sport.
Strong international tournaments have vanished as foreigners understandably fear traveling, channeling remaining sponsorship primarily toward junior events. The once-mighty Lviv GM club, which previously boasted 23 Grandmasters, is now reduced to hosting occasional blitz tournaments with a handful of participants. Daily life is punctuated by air-raid alerts and power blackouts, which Beliavsky notes are simply accepted as “the price of freedom.”
My son is in the army. To date, Russia has killed 40–50 Ukrainian chess players, including trainers and juniors. How can they claim that sport is “outside politics” while bombing our cities?
The cost of the conflict to the chess community is devastating. Adrian Mikhalchishin revealed the brutal statistics: 40 to 50 members of the wider Ukrainian chess community, including trainers and juniors, have been killed. These losses underscore the profound moral dilemma faced by players who chose to remain abroad, as well as the absurdity of those who insist that sport can remain apolitical.
A Celebration in the Darkness
Despite the hardship, the victory resonated deeply within the country. Media attention swelled after both teams secured leading positions, culminating in celebratory receptions in cities like Kharkiv and Lviv. The men’s victory and the women’s commendable silver were recognized as major national achievements, with plans for meetings with state leaders and nominations for state medals.
The triumph in the European Team Championship is far more than an entry in a ledger of sporting statistics. It is a powerful affirmation that even when faced with overwhelming destruction, the pursuit of excellence—and the spirit of competition—can endure. The Ukrainian chess team, captained by those who felt the duty to return, proved that resilience is a strategy that always guarantees a victory, regardless of the final score.
