EP 426- NM Oleksandr Prokhorov on Sustaining and Growing Ukrainian Chess During the War

Oleksandr Prokhorov is a Lviv, Ukraine-based chess organizer, trainer, FIDE arbiter and Twitch streamer. Ukraine has a rich chess history and has a vibrant grass roots scene in addition to famous natives such as Vasyl Ivanchuk, the Muzychuk sisters, and GM Ruslan Ponomariov. In recent years, I have marvelled at the persistent passion for chess in Ukraine as I follow Facebook groups like the Love Chess Ukraine Facebook Group. Oleksandr and I discussed:

Is interest in Ukrainian chess as strong as ever despite the war?

Is there still state funding for chess-related activities?

What challenges are presented by the fact that many of its top Ukrainian players are moving abroad in order to be able to compete internationally?

We also discussed a few notable Ukrainians who have been on the front lines, Oleksandr's favorite books and content creators, and what Oleksandr and his colleagues are doing to help the next generation of Ukrainian players. Hearing about the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and their continued passion for chess inspires admiration and respect. Thanks to Oleksandr for sharing a few of their stories!

Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

0:02- What is the amateur chess scene like in Ukraine? Mentioned: Love Chess Ukraine Facebook Group

0:09- Is there still state support for chess during the war?

0:13- Does Oleksandr work full time in chess? How did he learn chess?

0:19- How has Ukrainian chess handled the exodus of many of its top players?

0:26- Why does Oleksandr think Ukraine has produced so many top female players?

0:33- Okelsandr discusses the many chess players who are currently in combat, including GM Igor Kovalenko. Mentioned: GM Igor Kovalenko, GM Martin Kravtsiv https://www.chess.com/news/view/ukrainian-grandmaster-given-courage-award-by-zelenskyy

0:39- - Okelsandr discusses Artem Sachuk, a former vice-president of chess in Ukraine who was killed in combat in 2023.

https://www.chess.com/news/view/artem-sachuk-vp-ukrainian-chess-federation-killed-action

44:00- Oleksandr’s favorite chess book Mentioned: My System

46:00- Oleksandr’s favorite YouTubers Mentioned: IM Eric Rosen, Dina Belenkaya, Anna Cramling

50:00- Thanks to Oleksandr for joining me. Here is how to reach him: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/OleksanderProkhorov Coaching- https://lichess.org/coach/Prohorov_Olexandr123 Email- Prohorov at chessclub.lviv.ua Love Chess Ukraine Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031039970525130

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