Russian Chess has, and always has been, a tool in their international politics. As is any sport on a national level.

The war has affected Russia's ability to participate in sports on the international level. The war has relevance to the discussion of sports, including chess, absolutely everywhere - except HackerNews, it seems.

>Also Russia has plenty of legitimacy, both before and after the Ukraine invasion

No pain in admitting it. It still has legitimacy (as did Nazi Germany up until it lost the war).

It should have none.