--- title: "Business in the Shadows of Chess: Vadim Rosensteyn and the Scandal with Russian Assets Ahead of the FIDE Presidential Elections" description: "🏆 The FIDE presidential elections on September 26, 2026, in Samarkand have become an arena for sharp political and business contradictions. Vadim Rosensteyn, one of the three candidates, found himself at the center of a scandal due to the continued activity of his family companies in Russia, despite claims of severing ties. Timur Turlov and Jan-Henrik Büttner also face questions that could affect their chances. 🌍 #Chess #FIDE #Politics #Rosensteyn #Turlov #Büttner" date: 2026-08-17T16:44:02.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/business-in-the-shadows-of-chess-vadim-rosensteyn-and-the-scandal-with-russian-assets-ahead-of-the-fide-presidential-elections tags: [chess, fide, vadim-rosenstein, timur-turlov, jan-henrik-buttnner, russia-ukraine-conflict, sanctions] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Business in the Shadows of Chess: Vadim Rosensteyn and the Scandal with Russian Assets Ahead of the FIDE Presidential Elections ![Chess match: a hand makes a move, chess pieces and timer are visible on the board, a nameplate with Anish Giri is at the bottom](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/17/bussines-v-tini-shakhmat-vadim-rozenshtejn-i-skandal-s-rossijskimi-aktivami-pered-vyborami-prezidenta-fide/bussines-v-tini-shakhmat-vadim-rozenshtejn-i-skandal-s-rossijskimi-aktivami-pered-vyborami-prezidenta-fide-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - Vadim Rosensteyn, a candidate for the post of FIDE President, found himself at the center of a scandal due to the continued activity of his family companies in Russia. - Timur Turlov and Jan-Henrik Büttner also face questions that could affect their chances. - The FIDE presidential elections in 2026 are taking place against the backdrop of a tense geopolitical situation. In the run-up to the elections for the President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which will take place on September 26, 2026, in Samarkand, the chess world has faced an unexpected challenge. At the center of attention is one of the three candidates for the top post — German entrepreneur Vadim Rosensteyn. Despite his public statements about severing ties with Russia, investigations by Ukrainian and international media have revealed the continued active operations of companies linked to the candidate's family within the Russian Federation. ### Three Contenders: Büttner, Turlov, and Rosensteyn The fight for leadership in FIDE involves three candidates, each representing different interests and approaches to managing the organization. Jan-Henrik Büttner, co-founder of Freestyle Chess and a private investor, proposes a strategy focused on the commercialization of chess and the strengthening of national federations. However, the German Chess Federation has officially stated that it does not support his candidacy, as he did not seek their approval. The second candidate is Timur Turlov, President of the Chess Federation of Kazakhstan. His candidacy is also not without controversy: Ukraine imposed sanctions against him in 2022, but after the start of the full-scale invasion, he and his company Freedom Holding provided significant humanitarian aid to Ukraine. According to media reports, Turlov transferred over 100 million hryvnias for Ukraine's needs, and his company allocated millions of euros for medical equipment and rehabilitation centers. The third candidate is Vadim Rosensteyn, who positions himself as a supporter of a hardline stance towards Russia. However, it is his business connections that have become the subject of sharp debates. ### Rosensteyn and Russian Assets: Facts vs. Statements In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Vadim Rosensteyn claimed that he has not done business with Russia since 2022. However, data from Russian registries suggest the opposite. Companies linked to the entrepreneur and his family continue to operate actively in the RF. In particular, LLC "VR Rus" showed a revenue increase from 113 million rubles in 2023 to 1.6 billion rubles in 2025. Over the last three years, the company has paid more than 400 million rubles in taxes to the Russian budget. Even more alarming data concerns the company "2P Integra", the General Director and owner of which is Mikhail Rosensteyn, a relative of the candidate. By the end of 2025, the enterprise's revenue amounted to about 2.1 billion rubles, and tax payments reached 551 million rubles. After the start of the war, the company's revenue grew by approximately 40 times, and its website advertised services for supplying industrial equipment and electronics to Russia in circumvention of sanctions, including power cables that could be used in the military-industrial complex. ### Contradictory Data On the one hand, Vadim Rosensteyn claims a complete severance of ties with Russia and emphasizes the importance of complying with international rules and laws. On the other hand, factual data from Russian registries point to the continued activity of his family companies in the RF, casting doubt on his public statements. These contradictions could become a key factor for FIDE delegates when making a decision at the elections. Furthermore, the positions of other candidates also raise questions. Timur Turlov, despite providing significant aid to Ukraine, was accused of continuing to work with Russian clients, which was denied by Freedom Holding. Jan-Henrik Büttner, although offering a progressive program, lacks the support of official German structures, which could weaken his position. ### Political Context of the Elections The FIDE presidential elections in 2026 are taking place against the backdrop of a tense geopolitical situation. For delegates, it is important not only the chess development programs but also the business connections of the candidates, their stance towards Russia and Ukraine, and their attitude towards international sanctions. Vadim Rosensteyn, despite his statements, found himself at the center of a scandal due to the continued activity of his family companies in Russia. This could become a decisive factor for many delegates, especially from countries supporting sanctions against the RF. At the same time, Timur Turlov and Jan-Henrik Büttner also face criticism and questions that could affect their chances. Ultimately, the FIDE presidential elections will become not just a sporting, but also a political event, reflecting current geopolitical realities. ## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification - [German entrepreneurs Büttner and Rosensteyn will run for FIDE President](https://www.sports.ru/chess/1117268177-nemeczkie-biznesmeny-byuttner-i-rozenshtejn-planiruyut-ballotirovatsya.html) - Подтверждает участие Бюттнера и Розенштейна в выборах. - [Three candidates will continue the fight for the post of FIDE President](https://www.ng.ru/chess/2026-07-30/8_9549_chess.html) - Подтверждает участие Турлова, Бюттнера и Розенштейна. - [FIDE head elections will take place without Russians, but the favorite is a native of Moscow](https://www.sport-express.ru/chess/reviews/vybory-glavy-fide-2026-proydut-bez-rossiyan-kto-vydvinul-kandidatury-na-post-prezidenta-mezhdunarodnoy-shahmatnoy-federacii-2442504/) - Подтверждает отсутствие российских кандидатов и фаворитизм Розенштейна. ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: Who are the candidates for the post of FIDE President in 2026? **A:** The candidates are Jan-Henrik Büttner, Vadim Rosensteyn, and Timur Turlov. ### Q: Why did Vadim Rosensteyn find himself at the center of a scandal? **A:** Due to the continued activity of his family companies in Russia, despite claims of severing ties. ### Q: What is Timur Turlov's position regarding Ukraine? **A:** Turlov provided significant humanitarian aid to Ukraine, despite the sanctions imposed against him.