I guess it's the legacy of the Soviet Union. Chess was heavily promoted in this political system, it was seen as a very useful and affordable way to keep the people's mental health on a high standard. Chess grandmasters were really the aristocrats of the Soviet Union, they enjoyed a lot more benefits than other citizens.
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The Russian teams (open and ladies) have just taken the European title as Ukraine and Hungary just watched. What is it about the Russians that keep them on top?