One clear lie in the interview - a US ambassador requesting a vote for a FIDE candidate? That is rich.
Of course national federations around the world have received letters from Russian Embassies requesting commitments of support for Kirsan already in this election cycle.
“After all, chess is an inexpensive sport. There is no need to build stadiums or ice palaces for billions of euros. In each village there are two or three rooms, which we equip with chess sets and demonstration boards and start developing the game.” What’s the condition of Chess City these days?