Jan Nepomniachtchi, a Russian grandmaster and two-time World Championship challenger, fell out of the top twenty of the International Chess Federation rankings at the end of last year, marking a significant shift in chess history. This moment is notable because it represents an end to an era, with no Russian players in the elite top twenty for the first time since official ratings began in July 1971. Russia has long been regarded as a chess powerhouse, producing champions such as Mikhail Botvinnik and Anatoly Karpov, but now finds itself in search of a new chess star in vain. Experienced Slovak grandmaster Ján Markoš noted that the decline of Russian chess has been evident for quite some time, pointing out that the last Russian world champion was Vladimir Kramnik, who lost his title in 2007. The trend has been exacerbated by various factors, including the war in Ukraine. Many chess players have left Russia, which may have contributed to this decline. Markoš highlighted that there is not a single Russian player in the current top twenty who has competed post-2022, showcasing a significant shift in the chess landscape. The implications of this trend are profound for the future of chess in Russia, a country that has long been synonymous with chess excellence and competition. The crucial question now is whether Russia can rejuvenate its chess community and reclaim its former glory on the international scene. The situation sets a challenging stage for upcoming talents in Russia and raises questions about the impact of geopolitics on the global chess arena.