The International Chess Federation (FIDE) suspended for 6 months Russian grandmaster Sergey Karyakin from competitions under the auspices of the organization, who publicly supported the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.

This is stated on the official website of the organization..

On February 27, Karyakin published an open letter addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which he approved the war unleashed by the Russian army on the territory of Ukraine.

" For eight long years, we have been waiting with hope for salvation from countless shelling, continuous genocide by the still acting Kiev regime.

I express to you, our Commander-in-Chief, my full support in protecting the interests of Russia, our multinational Russian people, eliminating threats and establishing peace,"

Earlier it was reported that FIDE suspended the national teams of Russia and Belarus from participating in tournaments under the auspices of the organization. At the same time, chess players from both countries will be able to participate in individual tournaments under the FIDE flag..

FIDE also terminated contracts with sponsors from Russia and Belarus.