India, July 24 -- Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand steps in as interim president of the International Chess Federation, Fide, after its Russian head Arkady Dvorkovich, was placed on the latest European Union sanctions list.

Issued in connection with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, EU's 21st sanctions impose punitive measures against 170 entities and 48 individuals. Measures could include asset freezes, travel and transaction bans.

In accordance with article 19.2 of the Fide Charter, Anand, who has been serving as deputy president of the body since 2022, is mandated to step in as interim president. The Fide elections are due in September.

"Today, the EU decision to include my name in the 21st sanctions list was published...