

FT Weekend: Ukraine’s digital war. Plus: how computers changed chess
Aug 20, 2022
Gillian Tett, a leading FT columnist with expertise in post-Soviet countries, discusses Ukraine's tech resilience amid war, spotlighting innovators like Roman Perimov who are building military tech hubs. She highlights the powerful ties between Ukraine and Silicon Valley that enhance defensive strategies. Meanwhile, Oliver Roeder, a senior data journalist and author of 'Seven Games: A Human History,' explores how AI is transforming chess, impacting gameplay and strategy, while advocating for new formats to keep the game exciting and accessible.
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Roman's Story
- Roman Paramov, a Ukrainian IT engineer, was about to move to Philadelphia for a job.
- When war broke out, he returned to Ukraine to help fight using his tech skills.
Ukraine's Digital Defense
- Ukraine's digital defense relies heavily on connections with Silicon Valley and Western tech companies.
- These connections proved crucial for securing vital internet access.
Starlink Acquisition
- Roman Paramov's team requested Starlinks from Elon Musk after realizing the need for stable internet access.
- Musk responded by sending hundreds of Starlinks to Poland, aiding the Ukrainian military's communication.