'But I am a Ukrainian' by Raymond Keene

[Geoff Chandler]

This one is well worth a read.

https://www.thearticle.com/but-i-am-a-ukrainian

[JustinHorton]

It's not even worth clicking on Geoff, it's just the usual overheated and recycled rubbish. Stop trying to resurrect the tawdry old fraud.

[Rich Wiltshir]

Key words: "I am"

[David Sedgwick]

It's not even worth clicking on Geoff, it's just the usual overheated and recycled rubbish. Stop trying to resurrect the tawdry old fraud.

You clicked on the piece and read it, presumably?

Kasparov's comments, mentioned by RDK, are well worth reading.

[JustinHorton]

They're not really, and "Ray writes about comments already see by millions" is not a particularly persuasive reason for wasting any time on the old fraud.

[Geoff Chandler]

...it's just the usual overheated and recycled rubbish.

It is a comment on chess in a General Chat thread and therefore valid.

I thought this one was good and informative, even allowing for the out of print book plug.
I fail to see how it could be recycled rubbish as the Ukrainian invasion is only two weeks old.

Maybe his reminisces about Leonard Stein have appeared somewhere before but
I have never seen the Kotov - Stein exchange that led to the title of the piece.

[Paul Cooksey]

I'm trying not to comment on current events. But I would be interested to know if the Stein/ Kotov story is new.

My understanding - which may well be wrong and is one reason why I am interested - was that Soviet was not a synonym for Russian at that time. I am reminded of Petrosian's famous "Abroad, they call us all Russians. I am a Soviet Armenian.".

If Kotov had said "Russian school" - attacking chess in the Chigorin style - Steins remark would make sense. I associate Soviet school with professionalism and Botvinnik's legacy. Russian school seems more obvious in describing Stein, although I suppose both apply.

Of course anyone relating a conversation from so long ago, possibly in a language they are not themselves fluent in, might make a mistake. So interesting if it was published closer to the time.

[JustinHorton]

I fail to see how it could be recycled rubbish as the Ukrainian invasion is only two weeks old.

Amazing

[Roger de Coverly]

My understanding - which may well be wrong and is one reason why I am interested - was that Soviet was not a synonym for Russian at that time

In Russia or the Soviet Union perhaps, but outside, Russian or Russia was frequently used when Soviet or Soviet Union was meant. That's much the same as when English or England is used as proxy for British or Britain.

[Bob Kane]

Excellent topical article.

[NickFaulks]

it's just the usual overheated and recycled rubbish

Are you referring to RDK's own input, or to GK's comments on geopolitics? Could apply to either.

[Matt Mackenzie]

I'm trying not to comment on current events. But I would be interested to know if the Stein/ Kotov story is new.

I don't know the answer to that, but can perhaps make an educated guess.