FIDE reinstates Russia’s war supporter Karjakin; he instantly displaces Gukesh from top 10

Key Highlights

• The 36-year-old had publicly endorsed Vladimir Putin's war, inviting sanctions from the European Union.
• In the last four years, Karjakin had been largely absent from FIDE-approved tournaments, which explained his absence from the rankings.
• The former World Rapid and Blitz champion has been a senator of the allegedly annexed region of Crimea since September 2024.
• ADVERTISEMENT It is understood that Karjakin had refused to return to the FIDE fold until he was allowed to play under the Russian flag.
• FIDE's March ratings feature the Russian flag next to Karjakin's name.