Garry Kasparov and Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen were both born in Soviet republics, achieved chess grandmaster status, and later transitioned into political careers. Vilnius, Lithuania served as an early competitive venue for Kasparov and the setting where he met coach Alexander Sergeevich Nikitin. Lithuania positions itself as a staunch defender of Ukraine, perceiving itself as a likely target if Ukraine falls, and simultaneously provides refuge to Russian political dissidents. Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen rose to national political prominence, serving as speaker of the Lithuanian legislature and engaging in European conversations on confronting newly aggressive authoritarian states.
Putting nostalgia aside, Lithuania has become a hot spot as one of the most ardent defenders of Ukraine against Russia's invasion. Lithuania also recognizes that, should Ukraine fall, it is at the top of the list of targets for Putin's attempt to rebuild the Soviet Union in his image. But despite obvious threats, this Baltic country has offered refuge to many Russian political dissidents.
I have several things in common with my guest in this episode. Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen and I were both born into Soviet republics. We both became chess grand masters, and we both left chess to enter politics. I think it is fair to say that while I reached greater heights in the chess world, as a former speaker of the Lithuanian legislature, she definitely rose higher in the political world.
My first chess baptism by fire outside my home city of Baku, Azerbaijan, came at the All-Union Youth Games in Vilnius in 1973. I was just 10 while most of my opponents were four or five years older. I did not perform well, but I did meet Alexander Sergeevich Nikitin: state trainer of the U.S.S.R. Sports Committee, my future friend, mentor, and reliable supporter in the most difficult periods of my chess career.
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