Not so long ago, Stanislav moved to Russia and settled in Moscow. He played chess and participated in tournaments. Recently he played for Russia in an online match against Ukrainian chess players. Bogdanovich published a comment on his social networks page explaining his position. He said that he wanted to show respect for Russia: “I believe that in this way I made my modest contribution to the peace between our countries.”
There are no borders on the chessboard, in a chess game no one ever asks which country you are from and what language you speak. The language of chess is understandable throughout the world and to all nations; it is the universal language of wisdom, mutual understanding, peace and friendship. Chess pieces cannot be moved with a clenched fist.
However, Bogdanovich was included into the Myrotvorets database because he played for Russia. Social media began to persecute this wonderful chess player. He was accused of betraying his country.
We will no longer know how Stanislav Bogdanovich reacted to this, but it does not matter now. Commenting on his decision to play for Russia in an online tournament, Stanislav Bogdanovich said very important words:
“It’s time for us to come to our senses and stop this feud. Maybe if each of us played only once for Russia, then any conflict would have been settled. I suggest that every Ukrainian and every Russian who reads these words send their hugs to mark our friendship and unity. This is the only way to make things right.”
Now we would never know how many “hugs” Stanislav’s subscribers sent, but I’m sure that many people in Russia and Ukraine will share the grief over the tragic death of the outstanding Ukrainian chess player.