Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) on October 14, 2025, started a criminal investigation against prominent Kremlin critic and oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky. FSB announced the 'terrorism' charges on Tuesday. Notably, Khodorkovsky was part of the Russian Anti-War Committee, founded abroad in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;Besides Khodorkovsky, the FSB is targeting 20 others, including Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, political commentator Yekatrina Schulmann, chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov and philanthropist Boris Zimin.They have been accused of funding ‘terrorist Ukrainian paramilitary nationalist units’ and recruiting members to overthrow Russian leadership.&nbsp;FSB has accused that the Anti-War Committee was calling for the ‘liquidation' of the Russian government and pushing for the creation of the ’Platform for Russian Democratic Forces' via the &nbsp;Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). FSB also said that Khodorkovsky has claimed the ’Platform for Russian Democratic Forces' as a “transitional assembly” and alternative government.However, Khodorkovsky denied these allegations, specifically the part of funding Ukrainian paramilitary to seize Russian power. The Russian Anti-War Committee was designated as an undesirable organisation by Moscow in January 2024. If convicted, they could face extradition and life imprisonment.Mikhail Khodorkovsky is an exiled Russian Oligarch, who was once the richest man in Russia in 2003. He then confronted Putin and his government of corruption. &nbsp;Khodorkovsky was arrested and sent to a Siberian prison, where he spent nearly a decade. In 2013, Putin pardoned him, but he left Moscow in 2015 and has been living in Exile in London since then.&nbsp;Vladimir Kara-Murza was a prominent Kremlin critic and activist who is currently imprisoned, serving a 25-year sentence in Russia on the charges of treason. According to &nbsp;Amnesty International, he has survived two assassination attempts, which he attributes to Russia's Federal Security Service.Yekatrina Schulmann was a political scientist and professor at Moscow school for Social and Economic Sciences till 2022; since then, she has been living in exile in Germany and is considered a foreign agent has an arrest warrant against her in absentia.Gary Kasparov is a FIDE Grandmaster and was previously placed on Russia’s list of “terrorists and extremists” by Rosfinmonitoring (the financial watchdog) and similarly designated as a “foreign agent.” He also has an arrest warrant against him in absentia, accusing him of creating a terrorist society, leading it, financing terrorist activities, and publicly justifying them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia’s FSB charges exiled oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky and 20 others, including Kasparov and Schulmann, with terrorism and plotting to overthrow Putin.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) on October 14, 2025, started a criminal investigation against prominent Kremlin critic and oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky. FSB announced the 'terrorism' charges on Tuesday. Notably, Khodorkovsky was part of the Russian Anti-War Committee, founded abroad in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Besides Khodorkovsky, the FSB is targeting 20 others, including Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, political commentator Yekatrina Schulmann, chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov and philanthropist Boris Zimin. They have been accused of funding ‘terrorist Ukrainian paramilitary nationalist units’ and recruiting members to overthrow Russian leadership. FSB has accused that the Anti-War Committee was calling for the ‘liquidation' of the Russian government and pushing for the creation of the ’Platform for Russian Democratic Forces' via the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). FSB also said that Khodorkovsky has claimed the ’Platform for Russian Democratic Forces' as a “transitional assembly” and alternative government. However, Khodorkovsky denied these allegations, specifically the part of funding Ukrainian paramilitary to seize Russian power. The Russian Anti-War Committee was designated as an undesirable organisation by Moscow in January 2024. If convicted, they could face extradition and life imprisonment. Mikhail Khodorkovsky is an exiled Russian Oligarch, who was once the richest man in Russia in 2003. He then confronted Putin and his government of corruption. Khodorkovsky was arrested and sent to a Siberian prison, where he spent nearly a decade. In 2013, Putin pardoned him, but he left Moscow in 2015 and has been living in Exile in London since then. Vladimir Kara-Murza was a prominent Kremlin critic and activist who is currently imprisoned, serving a 25-year sentence in Russia on the charges of treason. According to Amnesty International, he has survived two assassination attempts, which he attributes to Russia's Federal Security Service. Yekatrina Schulmann was a political scientist and professor at Moscow school for Social and Economic Sciences till 2022; since then, she has been living in exile in Germany and is considered a foreign agent has an arrest warrant against her in absentia. Gary Kasparov is a FIDE Grandmaster and was previously placed on Russia’s list of “terrorists and extremists” by Rosfinmonitoring (the financial watchdog) and similarly designated as a “foreign agent.” He also has an arrest warrant against him in absentia, accusing him of creating a terrorist society, leading it, financing terrorist activities, and publicly justifying them.

Russia’s FSB charges exiled oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky and 20 others, including Kasparov and Schulmann, with terrorism and plotting to overthrow Putin.

20 anti war critic including oil tycoon Khodorkovsky, Grandmaster Garry Kasparov are accused of terrorism in Russia

Russian chess great Garry Kasparov hoped that his "little joke" on Indian politics does not pass for "advocacy or expertise" after his cheeky social media post on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's love for the game went viral.

Within hours of asking Gandhi to "first win Rae Bareli before challenging for the top", the 61-year-old said it was just a joke and should be seen as one.

"I very much hope my little joke does not pass for advocacy or expertise in Indian politics! But as an 'all-seeing monster with 1000 eyes,' as I was once described, I cannot fail to see a politician dabbling in my beloved game!" the former world champion, who retired in 2005, wrote in response to a post by actor Ranvir Shorey.

Shorey's comment appeared to be a dig at Gandhi's recent assertion that he was the best chess player among all Indian politicians. Kasparov gave the same reply to a few other accounts which commented on his original post.

The Congress recently shared a video of Gandhi playing chess on his mobile phone while on the Lok Sabha election campaign trail. The MP from Wayanad named Kasparov as his favourite chess player and drew parallels between the game and politics.

A user on X made a cheeky comment on his page, which read "feel so relieved that @Kasparov63 and @vishy64theking retired early and didn't have to face the greatest chess genius of our times."

Kasparov, rather unusually, originally responded to that post.

"Traditional (sic) dictates that you should first win from Raebareli before challenging for the top," wrote the fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin who is based in Croatia after fleeing his country.

Gandhi, while naming Kasparov as his favourite chess player, described him as a "non-linear thinker" in the Congress video.

"...once you get slightly better at it, the opponent's pieces actually operate almost like your own," he said, drawing comparison between chess and politics.

Gandhi filed his nomination from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh on Friday and is also contesting from Wayanad.

A former world number one for a record 255 weeks, Kasparov became the youngest-ever undisputed world champion at the age of 22 in 1985 and is a political activist now.

The iconic player is a contemporary of Indian great Viswanathan Anand.

Recently, when 17-year-old D Gukesh bettered his record of becoming the youngest challenger to the world title by winning the Candidates Tournament in Toronto, Kasparov had put out a congratulatory post on X.

He described Gukesh as "the Indian earthquake in Toronto".

&nbsp;

Russian chess great Garry Kasparov hoped that his "little joke" on Indian politics does not pass for "advocacy or expertise" after his cheeky social media post on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's love for the game went viral.

Russian chess great Garry Kasparov hoped that his "little joke" on Indian politics does not pass for "advocacy or expertise" after his cheeky social media post on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's love for the game went viral. Within hours of asking Gandhi to "first win Rae Bareli before challenging for the top", the 61-year-old said it was just a joke and should be seen as one. "I very much hope my little joke does not pass for advocacy or expertise in Indian politics! But as an 'all-seeing monster with 1000 eyes,' as I was once described, I cannot fail to see a politician dabbling in my beloved game!" the former world champion, who retired in 2005, wrote in response to a post by actor Ranvir Shorey. Shorey's comment appeared to be a dig at Gandhi's recent assertion that he was the best chess player among all Indian politicians. Kasparov gave the same reply to a few other accounts which commented on his original post. The Congress recently shared a video of Gandhi playing chess on his mobile phone while on the Lok Sabha election campaign trail. The MP from Wayanad named Kasparov as his favourite chess player and drew parallels between the game and politics. A user on X made a cheeky comment on his page, which read "feel so relieved that @Kasparov63 and @vishy64theking retired early and didn't have to face the greatest chess genius of our times." Kasparov, rather unusually, originally responded to that post. "Traditional (sic) dictates that you should first win from Raebareli before challenging for the top," wrote the fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin who is based in Croatia after fleeing his country. Gandhi, while naming Kasparov as his favourite chess player, described him as a "non-linear thinker" in the Congress video. "...once you get slightly better at it, the opponent's pieces actually operate almost like your own," he said, drawing comparison between chess and politics. Gandhi filed his nomination from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh on Friday and is also contesting from Wayanad. A former world number one for a record 255 weeks, Kasparov became the youngest-ever undisputed world champion at the age of 22 in 1985 and is a political activist now. The iconic player is a contemporary of Indian great Viswanathan Anand. Recently, when 17-year-old D Gukesh bettered his record of becoming the youngest challenger to the world title by winning the Candidates Tournament in Toronto, Kasparov had put out a congratulatory post on X. He described Gukesh as "the Indian earthquake in Toronto".

Russian chess great Garry Kasparov clarifies on his post on Rahul Gandhi

Russia has added former chess champion and exiled Kremlin critic Garry Kasparov to its state list of "terrorists and extremists." Being added to Russia's lists of "extremists and terrorists" allows the authorities to freeze designees' bank accounts without a court order.

Chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov added to Russia's 'terrorists' list

In a significant development resonating within both the international chess community and political circles, Russia's financial watchdog officially included Garry Kasparov, the Soviet-born chess grandmaster and a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, in its list of terrorists and extremists on Wednesday (March 6).

This move represents a notable escalation in the Russian government's efforts to quell dissent, particularly targeting prominent figures like Kasparov who have vocally opposed Putin's regime and policies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-will-be-assassinated-if-he-steps-back-from-ukraine-war-says-elon-musk-690104">Russia's Putin will be 'assassinated' if he steps back from Ukraine war, says Elon Musk</a>

Kasparov, residing in the United States for almost a decade, has steadfastly championed democracy and human rights in Russia, earning him the Kremlin's displeasure.

<h2>Background of Garry Kasparov</h2>

Garry Kasparov, once hailed as a national hero for his unparalleled achievements in chess, evolved into one of the Kremlin's most formidable opponents after retiring from professional chess.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMgNWR_N-EAxX9zDgGHTl1CRUQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1-dkOXDBMtsxgjAfIzElQR" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945" target="_blank">Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison</a>

His shift from chess grandmaster to political activist stemmed from a desire to witness a corruption-free and democratic Russia. Over the years, Kasparov has utilised his global platform to condemn Putin's authoritarian policies, endorse democratic movements and advocate for sanctions against Russian officials implicated in human rights violations.

His role in establishing the Anti-War Committee among exiled Russian public figures further solidifies his resistance against the Kremlin, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

<h2>Inference of the designation</h2>

Being categorised as a terrorist or extremist by the Russian government carries severe consequences, not just for Kasparov's personal safety but also for those associated with him.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-slams-western-hegemony-and-warns-over-nuclear-testing-says-mission-is-to-create-new-world-643050">'No chance of survival': Putin's latest nuclear warning has the world on edge</a>

This designation effectively criminalises any support or affiliation within Russia, isolating him and others on the list from their support networks in the country. This move aligns with the broader strategy of the Russian government to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices, especially those capable of mobilising public opinion against the regime.

It also underscores the troubling trend of employing counter-terrorism legislation to target political adversaries, a tactic criticised by human rights organisations worldwide.

<h2>Global reaction and future projection</h2>

The international community has responded with concern and condemnation to the news of Kasparov's designation. Chess organisations, human rights groups and governments globally have expressed support for Kasparov, emphasising the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and political dissent.&nbsp; 
 
This incident has shed light on the broader issue of the Kremlin's crackdown on opposition figures and the diminishing space for civil society in Russia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-funeral-putins-fierce-critic-buried-in-moscow-amid-tight-security-695615" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-funeral-putins-fierce-critic-buried-in-moscow-amid-tight-security-695615&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMgNWR_N-EAxX9zDgGHTl1CRUQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2OsB2XnW79c8s-RjJ20EI3" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-funeral-putins-fierce-critic-buried-in-moscow-amid-tight-security-695615" target="_blank">Alexei&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;funeral: Putin's fierce critic buried in Moscow</a>

Despite the risks posed by his new status in Russia, Kasparov remains resolute in his advocacy for democracy and human rights.

This latest development serves as a rallying cry for the global community to stand in solidarity with those fighting for freedom and justice in Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a significant development resonating within both the international chess community and political circles, Russia's financial watchdog officially included Garry Kasparov, the Soviet-born chess grandmaster and a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, in its list of terrorists and extremists on Wednesday (March 6).

In a significant development resonating within both the international chess community and political circles, Russia's financial watchdog officially included Garry Kasparov, the Soviet-born chess grandmaster and a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, in its list of terrorists and extremists on Wednesday (March 6). This move represents a notable escalation in the Russian government's efforts to quell dissent, particularly targeting prominent figures like Kasparov who have vocally opposed Putin's regime and policies. Also read: Russia's Putin will be 'assassinated' if he steps back from Ukraine war, says Elon Musk Kasparov, residing in the United States for almost a decade, has steadfastly championed democracy and human rights in Russia, earning him the Kremlin's displeasure. Background of Garry Kasparov Garry Kasparov, once hailed as a national hero for his unparalleled achievements in chess, evolved into one of the Kremlin's most formidable opponents after retiring from professional chess. Also read: Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison His shift from chess grandmaster to political activist stemmed from a desire to witness a corruption-free and democratic Russia. Over the years, Kasparov has utilised his global platform to condemn Putin's authoritarian policies, endorse democratic movements and advocate for sanctions against Russian officials implicated in human rights violations. His role in establishing the Anti-War Committee among exiled Russian public figures further solidifies his resistance against the Kremlin, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Inference of the designation Being categorised as a terrorist or extremist by the Russian government carries severe consequences, not just for Kasparov's personal safety but also for those associated with him. Also read: 'No chance of survival': Putin's latest nuclear warning has the world on edge This designation effectively criminalises any support or affiliation within Russia, isolating him and others on the list from their support networks in the country. This move aligns with the broader strategy of the Russian government to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices, especially those capable of mobilising public opinion against the regime. It also underscores the troubling trend of employing counter-terrorism legislation to target political adversaries, a tactic criticised by human rights organisations worldwide. Global reaction and future projection The international community has responded with concern and condemnation to the news of Kasparov's designation. Chess organisations, human rights groups and governments globally have expressed support for Kasparov, emphasising the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and political dissent. This incident has shed light on the broader issue of the Kremlin's crackdown on opposition figures and the diminishing space for civil society in Russia. Also read: Alexei Navalny funeral: Putin's fierce critic buried in Moscow Despite the risks posed by his new status in Russia, Kasparov remains resolute in his advocacy for democracy and human rights. This latest development serves as a rallying cry for the global community to stand in solidarity with those fighting for freedom and justice in Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian authorities include chess icon Garry Kasparov in list of ‘terrorists and extremists’

Garry Kasparov is a name that you would find at the top of the world chess rankings. For close to 20 years, the former world chess champion held virtually undisputed sway over the sport.

From 1986 until his retirement in 2005, Kasparov was ranked world No. 1 for 225 out of 228 months. His peak rating of 2851, achieved in 1999, was the highest recorded until being surpassed by Magnus Carlsen in 2013.

When asked how did he manage to stay at the top for such a long time, Kasparov said, "I'm quite proud of my chess accomplishments. The reason I managed to stay on top for so long is that from my early days, thanks to my mother, I looked at every game not just an opportunity to win and prove my superiority over my opponents, but an opportunity to find something new, to make the difference."

At the age of 22, Kasparov became the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion after defeating then-champion Anatoly Karpov in 1985.

Speaking about the mindset with which he used to play, the former World No.1 said, "Even if you are winning, if you are number 1 or you are on the top, there is always a challenge to come up with new ideas and better ideas and if you are just competing with your own excellence, you will never be short of opponents."

"For me even at the end of my career, every game was a chance to look for new horizons. I used to learn not only from my own losses, that were few, but also from the games I won," he added. &nbsp;

A player who was equally regarded as Kasparov was Anatoly Karpov. The World Chess Championship 1984 match between the two had many ups and downs, and a very controversial finish.

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When asked whether he was his toughest competitor, Kasparov said they surely created the foundation of more than chess.

"We played five world championship matches, not counting the mini-games we played in the top competitions. And more than chess it was very much based on the experience that was allocated during our matches from 1984 to 1990. So, I can say we very much created the foundation of more than chess," he concluded.

Kasparov retired in 2005 and devoted his time to politics and writing. He formed the United Civil Front movement, and joined as a member of The Other Russia, a coalition opposing the administration and policies of President Vladimir Putin. 
&nbsp;

Garry Kasparov is a name that you would find at the top of the world chess rankings. For close to 20 years, the former world chess champion held virtually undisputed sway over the sport.

Garry Kasparov is a name that you would find at the top of the world chess rankings. For close to 20 years, the former world chess champion held virtually undisputed sway over the sport. From 1986 until his retirement in 2005, Kasparov was ranked world No. 1 for 225 out of 228 months. His peak rating of 2851, achieved in 1999, was the highest recorded until being surpassed by Magnus Carlsen in 2013. When asked how did he manage to stay at the top for such a long time, Kasparov said, "I'm quite proud of my chess accomplishments. The reason I managed to stay on top for so long is that from my early days, thanks to my mother, I looked at every game not just an opportunity to win and prove my superiority over my opponents, but an opportunity to find something new, to make the difference." At the age of 22, Kasparov became the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion after defeating then-champion Anatoly Karpov in 1985. Speaking about the mindset with which he used to play, the former World No.1 said, "Even if you are winning, if you are number 1 or you are on the top, there is always a challenge to come up with new ideas and better ideas and if you are just competing with your own excellence, you will never be short of opponents." "For me even at the end of my career, every game was a chance to look for new horizons. I used to learn not only from my own losses, that were few, but also from the games I won," he added. A player who was equally regarded as Kasparov was Anatoly Karpov. The World Chess Championship 1984 match between the two had many ups and downs, and a very controversial finish. × When asked whether he was his toughest competitor, Kasparov said they surely created the foundation of more than chess. "We played five world championship matches, not counting the mini-games we played in the top competitions. And more than chess it was very much based on the experience that was allocated during our matches from 1984 to 1990. So, I can say we very much created the foundation of more than chess," he concluded. Kasparov retired in 2005 and devoted his time to politics and writing. He formed the United Civil Front movement, and joined as a member of The Other Russia, a coalition opposing the administration and policies of President Vladimir Putin.

Rivalry with Karpov 'created foundation of more than chess': Garry Kasparov to WION

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20 anti war critic including oil tycoon Khodorkovsky, Grandmaster Garry Kasparov are accused of terrorism in Russia

Russian chess great Garry Kasparov clarifies on his post on Rahul Gandhi

Chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov added to Russia's 'terrorists' list

Russian authorities include chess icon Garry Kasparov in list of ‘terrorists and extremists’

Rivalry with Karpov 'created foundation of more than chess': Garry Kasparov to WION