Renowned chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov has been added to the international wanted list by the Kremlin following his alert that Vladimir Putin is scheming an invasion of the Baltic states, potentially sparking a conflict between Russian and British forces.
Kasparov, an outspoken critic of Putin currently living in exile, has been charged in absentia with “justifying terrorism” in what he deems as politically motivated accusations.
The 63-year-old Kasparov has stirred tensions by asserting that Putin has hit a deadlock in the Ukraine conflict. He suggested that the Russian leader might pursue a minor “victory over NATO” in the Baltic region to compensate for setbacks in Ukraine.
Speculating on Putin’s potential actions, Kasparov mentioned the scenario of Russian forces making incursions into limited territories in Estonia and Latvia, both members of NATO.
Highlighting the critical situation, Kasparov emphasized the likelihood of Putin targeting the Estonian city of Narva, which could prompt British forces stationed in Estonia to engage in defending the country against Russian incursions without waiting for NATO’s collective defense decision.
Kasparov remarked, “Putin is evidently cornered in Ukraine. He is facing a stalemate with minimal gains and substantial losses. A dictator like him needs a triumph, and avoiding defeat in war is imperative for his image.”
The chess legend warned that a move by Putin to seize territories in the Baltics could lead to a rapid escalation, possibly involving British troops in Estonia in conflicts independent of NATO’s official response protocols.
Meanwhile, intelligence from the Volya military Telegram channel indicated a progression in Putin’s plans to invade the Baltic states, aiming to create turmoil within NATO without directly provoking a war with the alliance.
Sources cited by the channel revealed Putin’s preparations for a potential assault on NATO using advanced fiber-optic drones, suggesting a significant military buildup for a future offensive.
The UK troops stationed in Estonia operate under Operation Cabrit, contributing to NATO’s enhanced/forward land forces.
