Aronian Seeks Reconciliation with Kramnik Amidst Defamation Lawsuit

In a deeply personal and publicly shared letter, Grandmaster Levon Aronian has appealed to Vladimir Kramnik, his friend and former World Champion, for reconciliation. This comes after Kramnik initiated a defamation lawsuit that has caused considerable turmoil within the chess community.

Vladimir Kramnik (File Photo)

"Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly," Aronian began, his message imbued with respect and concern rather than animosity.

The open letter follows Kramnik's decision to file a civil defamation case in Geneva against Chess.com, Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara. Kramnik alleges that these parties have defamed him following disagreements over accusations of cheating in online chess.

Aronian's letter serves as both a heartfelt tribute and an attempt at intervention. He acknowledges Kramnik's significant influence on his career, referring to him as one of his "chess parents" and crediting him with shaping his chess understanding.

Aronian reminisced about Kramnik's remarkable resilience, from his victories against Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko to the controversial "Toiletgate" match against Veselin Topalov, highlighting his strength and fortitude in the face of adversity.

However, Aronian also addressed what he perceives as a troubling shift in Kramnik's recent behavior. "You are fighting your own demons," he wrote, recognizing the emotional strain of Kramnik's battle against alleged cheating in online chess.

This letter comes after Kramnik's accusations of cheating against Navara earlier in the year, which led Navara to publish a letter detailing the severe impact these accusations had on his mental well-being.

Kramnik's response was to demand either legal action or silence, ultimately leading to the lawsuit, a move that has been met with criticism from many within the chess world.

Grandmasters like Pavel Eljanov have voiced their support for Navara, with Eljanov stating, "David is one of the most honest people in chess," echoing a widely held sentiment.

Aronian concludes his plea with a call for unity: "We are a family... let us start from a fresh page." In a chess world divided, his message is a reminder that despite the stark contrast of the black and white squares, people are complex, and reconciliation remains a possibility.