There are fixed rules in chess, and no one knows how the game will end.

At a certain point, the atmosphere in the West could change. But I don't see determined political will [for that] at the moment.

The downfall of democratic institutions in Russia doesn't add to the self-confidence of either [Vladimir] Putin or his friends, as the loss of power could lead to repercussions in Russian society.

Russian Parliament today is a bunch of puppets that just fall in with the instructions from Kremlin.

Putin can't afford to leave the office because he will be in real danger of being prosecuted for things he and his people did during their stay in power.

You can't overestimate the importance of psychology in chess, and as much as some players try to downplay it, I believe that winning requires a constant and strong psychology not just at the board but in every aspect of your life.

I'm not paranoid, but I am cautious. I don't drink tea with strangers, I don't fly Aeroflot and I avoid certain countries with close ties to Russia.