Latest news with #Kalmykia
Russia Today
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
US drops sanctions on Russian ex-world chess chief
Former World Chess Federation (FIDE) president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov has been removed from the US sanctions list following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Monday. The decision came as part of Trump's move to end the US sanctions program on Syria. The measures involved restrictions being lifted on several Russian banks and individuals, including Ilyumzhinov. The businessman, who also formerly served as head of the Russian republic of Kalmykia, had been on the US Treasury blacklist since 2015. The original sanctions accused Ilyumzhinov of involvement in financial dealings with the Syrian government, claims he has consistently denied. Following the designation, he stepped back from his responsibilities at FIDE, which he had led since 1995. Ilyumzhinov described his removal from the blacklist as a 'fair' and 'courageous' move by Trump, crediting the US leader with a willingness to reevaluate global diplomacy. 'As the first president of the Russian republic of Kalmykia, I consider this decision a serious signal for a possible improvement in US-Russian relations,' Ilyumzhinov told Interfax, describing Trump as a man ready to correct 'historical injustices.' In a statement on Telegram, Ilyumzhinov also expressed his desire to personally thank the US president and suggested a symbolic meeting to share his vision of today's international development and play a game of chess with Trump. 'I hope President Trump accepts the invitation,' Ilyumzhinov told Interfax, adding that 'a game of wits can sometimes achieve more than ten diplomatic notes.'
Russia Today
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Southern Russian republic to host 3rd International Buddhist Forum
The Russian Republic of Kalmykia is set to host the 3rd International Buddhist Forum, a major international event celebrating spiritual dialogue and cultural unity. Scheduled to take place in the capital city of Elista from September 25 to 28, the forum is expected to welcome participants from more than 30 countries. The event will serve as a vital platform for in-depth discussions on the evolution and contemporary relevance of Buddhism, the world's fourth-largest religion, followed by an estimated 500 million people. Aimed at reinvigorating the global understanding of Buddhist philosophy, culture, and practice, the forum will explore how these traditions intersect with the realities of modern life. It will also play a key role in fostering international dialogue and strengthening cooperation among Buddhist communities worldwide in the fields of science, education, and culture. In Russia, Buddhism ranks as the third-largest religion after Christianity and Islam. It is most widely practiced in Kalmykia, where around 70% of the population identify as Buddhist. Other concentrations include the Republic of Tyva, with approximately 60% Buddhist adherence, and Buryatia, at 26%. Additionally, vibrant Buddhist communities can be found in major urban centers such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. 'Buddhism is a philosophy of life that helps people better understand themselves and the world – and to improve it,' the forum's organizers said. They highlight that the event will 'bring together dozens of countries where Buddhism plays a key role in preserving spiritual values, cultural heritage, and international cooperation for future progress.' In previous years, the forum was held in Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Republic of Buryatia in Eastern Siberia. In 2023, it convened over 600 representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, religious groups, and non-governmental organizations across 13 countries. The most recent edition attracted 1,800 participants from 15 countries and 22 Russian regions, with total attendance surpassing 3,000 visitors.
