Kasparov Spoke About The Russians' Plan
- 29.09.2026, 8:05
How would a Russian offensive against Europe unfold?
Russian opposition figure and world chess champion Garry Kasparov believes that Russia may attack the Baltic states first.
Kasparov speculated on how a Russian operation to attack Europe might unfold: “What does it mean to repel an attack or inflict damage? That’s a fundamental question. For now, let’s assume the following: Some Russian units cross the border near Narva or near Daugavpils. Most likely, we’re talking about Estonia and Latvia for now. This is ‘accompanied’ by drone attacks. NATO’s response? The objective is to drive the enemy out of this territory or inflict irreparable damage on its support forces—in other words, will NATO strike Russian territory? There is no direct answer to this question yet, although in recent weeks we have heard quite strong statements from both the Poles and the Estonians: “Yes, we will strike.” The Estonians and Poles have said this, but they still understand that NATO is American. NATO was created as an organization under American control.”
The politician discussed the challenges NATO would face if Putin decided to attack one of the Alliance’s member states during an appearance on the YouTube channel “Free Russia Forum”.
“The decision is made by NATO leadership. Does this mean we have to wait for instructions from Washington, because the commander of NATO forces is American and he’ll have to get the go-ahead for his actions from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, or is NATO made up of individual countries that will act without waiting for a consensus? Let’s not forget that, formally speaking, NATO operates by consensus. Will we have to wait for Portugal and Cyprus, which could veto the Estonians’ and Swedes’ ability to strike enemy bases located on their territory? “Here is a set of questions to which, unfortunately, there are no direct answers today,” Kasparov mused aloud.
“It feels as though they are preparing for the possibility that they may have to act without the Americans. Maybe they’ll have to act. And how does Putin view this? Perhaps, from Putin’s perspective, any provocative action that leads to a clash makes sense. The outcome of any confrontation in which the Americans are not involved—when Trump effectively paralyzes NATO as an organization and leaves Putin face-to-face with NATO’s Northeastern Block (the Scandinavians, Poles, the Balts)—from Putin’s perspective—is the end of NATO; it is a political victory,” the Russian opposition figure emphasized.