Top players sign an open letter in support of GM Ivanchuk

[NickFaulks]

https://www.fide.com/news/2536

I don't think the Ukrainian Ministry of Youth and Sports is doing itself a favour here.

Ivanchuk is not the most organised person, so perhaps we can hope there has been a misunderstanding.

[MJMcCready]

Do we know why he is not permitted to go?

[John Upham]

Do we know why he is not permitted to go?

Apparently

Vasyl Ivanchuk resides in Lviv, Ukraine. According to current legislation, he needs permission from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to leave the country for sports purposes as he is under the age of 60 (he is currently 54 years old). Such permission was not granted.

[Ian Thompson]

Do we know why he is not permitted to go?

This law

2.4.6 On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. On the same day, martial law was introduced for a period of 30 days and has subsequently been extended 3 times. The last extension was in May, when martial law was extended by 90 days, to 23 August. Also on 24 February 2022, President Zelensky signed a decree on general mobilisation in all regions of Ukraine plus the city of Kyiv. The decree became law on 3 March 2022, and mobilisation of conscripts and reservists was to be carried out within 90 days of this date. Males aged 18 and upwards are eligible, with no upper age limit in place. Males aged 18 to 60 are not allowed to leave Ukraine as long as martial law is in place (see Russian invasion of Ukraine, Martial law and Decree of 24 February 2022).

[MJMcCready]

Oh dear, that's not good news for him then. Thanks for the info.

[MJMcCready]

And I can't see that letter achieving anything. It will be tossed aside most likely.