Aronian Seeks Truce with Kramnik, Appeals for Forgiveness Amidst Defamation Suit

In a deeply personal and public appeal, chess grandmaster Levon Aronian has penned an open letter to Vladimir Kramnik, his friend and former World Champion, urging reconciliation in the wake of a defamation lawsuit filed by Kramnik. The chess world is closely watching as this unfolds.

Kramnik is shown in a file photo.

"Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly," Aronian wrote, foregoing any hint of anger and instead demonstrating profound respect and concern for the Russian chess icon.

The letter surfaces shortly after Kramnik initiated a civil defamation case in Geneva. The targets of the lawsuit are Chess.com, the news outlet Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara, whom Kramnik accuses of defamation following a series of public disagreements regarding alleged cheating in online chess.

Aronian's letter is both a heartfelt tribute and an intervention. He acknowledges Kramnik's significant influence on his career, referring to him as one of his "chess parents" and attributing much of his chess understanding to the former World Champion.

He reflects on Kramnik’s resilience – from his victories over Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko to the controversial “Toiletgate” match against Veselin Topalov – lauding his fortitude in the face of adversity.

However, Aronian doesn't avoid addressing what he perceives as a concerning shift in Kramnik's recent behavior. "You are fighting your own demons," he wrote, recognizing the emotional burden of Kramnik's campaign against perceived widespread cheating in online chess.

This letter comes after a period of turmoil. Earlier in the year, Kramnik suggested Navara had cheated, prompting Navara to release a letter detailing the severe impact the accusations had on his mental well-being.

Kramnik responded by demanding either legal action or silence, ultimately filing the lawsuit that has drawn criticism from across the chess community.

Grandmasters like Pavel Eljanov have publicly defended Navara, with Eljanov stating, "David is one of the most honest people in chess," a sentiment echoed by many.

Aronian's appeal concludes with a message of unity: "We are a family... let us start from a fresh page.” In a chess world currently divided, his message is clear: while the chessboard may be black and white, the individuals are more complex, and reconciliation remains a possibility.