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: 

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! 

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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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