Detailed Summary
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, a prominent political figure and chess enthusiast, claims that his encounter with aliens began when he was falling asleep in his Moscow apartment. He heard someone calling him from his balcony. When he went to investigate, he saw a semi-transparent half tube that he described as a kind of transport vehicle. He entered this tube and was transported to a spaceship where he encountered humanlike creatures wearing yellow spacesuits.
Description of the Aliens and the Spaceship
The aliens were described as humanlike in appearance, which set them apart from the more traditional depiction of extraterrestrials as little green men or grays. Their yellow spacesuits were a distinct feature. Inside the spaceship, Ilyumzhinov claimed the environment was somewhat familiar, like a laboratory or research facility, but with advanced technology far beyond human capabilities.
He mentioned that the aliens communicated with him through brain waves or telepathy, rather than spoken language. This method of communication allowed them to convey complex ideas and information directly into his mind.
Tour of the Spaceship
During his time on the spaceship, Ilyumzhinov was given a tour of the vessel. He described seeing various rooms and areas, including what appeared to be a control room with advanced instruments and displays. The aliens explained that they were collecting samples from Earth, possibly for research or monitoring purposes. Despite the surreal nature of the experience, Ilyumzhinov reported feeling calm and not threatened.
Return and Witnesses
The encounter lasted several hours, and Ilyumzhinov was returned to his apartment in the early hours of the morning. According to Ilyumzhinov, there were three witnesses to his disappearance: his driver, a minister, and his assistant. These individuals searched for him while he was missing and corroborated his story when he reappeared, reportedly without any signs of having left his apartment.
Public Disclosure and Reaction
Ilyumzhinov first publicly disclosed his alien encounter in a 1997 television interview. His story drew significant attention and mixed reactions from the public, media, and government officials. While some people found his account intriguing, others were skeptical and questioned his credibility.
Government Response
The claims of alien abduction led to a formal request by a Russian MP for President Dmitry Medvedev to investigate the incident. The MP expressed concerns about Ilyumzhinov's fitness to govern and the potential risk of disclosing state secrets. However, there is no evidence of an official government investigation being conducted.
Recurring Claims and Continued Career
Ilyumzhinov has consistently maintained his story over the years, reiterating his claims about the alien encounter in various interviews and public appearances. Despite the controversy, he continued to serve as the President of the Republic of Kalmykia until 2010 and remained active in his role as President of FIDE.