Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov has been added to the international wanted list by the Kremlin following his caution that Vladimir Putin is scheming an invasion of the Baltic states, potentially triggering a conflict between Russian and British troops.
Kasparov, a vocal critic of Putin who currently resides in exile, was charged in absentia with “justifying terrorism” in what he labels as politically-driven accusations.
The 63-year-old Kasparov stirred controversy by asserting that Putin has hit a stalemate in the Ukraine conflict, hinting that the Russian leader might aim for a minor triumph over NATO in the Baltics to counterbalance his setbacks in Ukraine.
He suggested that Putin could deploy troops to seize limited territories in Estonia and Latvia, both being NATO members.
In the scenario where Putin moves on the Estonian city of Narva, Kasparov outlined the possibility of UK forces stationed in the region engaging in defense against Russian forces without waiting for a collective NATO response.
Kasparov emphasized that Putin, feeling cornered in Ukraine, might seek a win over NATO to salvage his image, possibly through provocations in the Baltic states.
Pointing out potential symbolic targets, Kasparov highlighted the significance of seizing small areas near Narva in Estonia or Daugavpils in Latvia, both cities with Russian-speaking populations close to the border.
Regarding the situation in Narva, Kasparov implied the likelihood of British troops getting involved in a conflict without the activation of NATO’s Article 5, suggesting a potential undisclosed agreement allowing such actions.
He warned that if Russian forces cross into NATO territory near Narva or Daugavpils, there would be a swift need for a response, bypassing the traditional NATO decision-making process.
Kasparov noted the readiness of local authorities in Estonia and Latvia to act alongside Western contingents stationed in those countries without waiting for directives from NATO headquarters or higher military commands.
He underscored the urgency for immediate action should a breach occur, emphasizing the readiness of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian forces to cooperate with Western troops in the absence of formal NATO orders.
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