Kasparov declares Lithuania as the first in line for F-16 acquisition, seeking immediate volunteer support
In a recent interview on the channel of the Forum of Free Russia, a Russian organisation deemed undesirable by the Russian Federation, Garry Kasparov, the former chess champion and foreign agent, expressed his views on the current state of Eastern Europe and the role of NATO in the region.
Kasparov strongly supports NATO’s military involvement and presence in Eastern Europe, including the Baltic states like Lithuania. He believes this is essential for defending freedom and countering Russian aggression. Kasparov rejects the Russian claim that NATO’s eastward expansion threatens Russia’s security, arguing instead that Russia’s war in Ukraine is about restoring the Russian Empire, not about legitimate strategic concerns over NATO’s proximity.
Kasparov views NATO as crucial for deterring Russian expansionism and making Russia’s invasion of Ukraine harder to succeed. He emphasises the multinational and democratic nature of Ukraine itself as key to opposing Kremlin imperialism.
Kasparov specifically points out that NATO countries, such as Estonia and Finland, are close to Russian cities like St. Petersburg. Maintaining NATO’s defense capabilities in these regions, he argues, is necessary given Russia’s aggressive actions and the weakened NATO strength before recent conflicts.
While his main focus is on Ukraine’s sovereignty and liberation, this stance logically extends to robust military support and readiness from NATO countries in neighboring states, including Lithuania, to help deter Russian expansion and ensure regional security.
However, Kasparov expressed uncertainty about Poland's behavior and a lack of interest from Finland in getting involved. He believes that Lithuania, with its strategic location, is the weakest link in the defense of Eastern Europe. The Baltics, specifically Lithuania, are identified as the most vulnerable countries in Eastern Europe.
Kasparov also suggests that Belarus and Kaliningrad present potential threats to the Baltics. He expresses frustration that NATO is not utilising volunteers for the defense of Eastern Europe, specifically for F-16 pilots. Despite this, he predicts that many real volunteers from NATO countries would be willing to defend Eastern Europe.
In a surprising statement, Kasparov expressed that the current Western policy avoids escalation, which he finds problematic. He believes that escalation is inevitable and that all hope for action lies in Ukraine, where weapons and money are being sent.
In summary, Kasparov advocates for NATO to stand firm militarily in Eastern Europe, including Lithuania, as a necessary measure to defend freedom, uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and prevent Russia from achieving its imperial ambitions in the region.
- Given his stance on Ukraine's sovereignty, Garry Kasparov advocates for robust military support and readiness from NATO countries in neighboring states, such as Lithuania, to help deter Russian expansion and ensure regional security.
- Kasparov argues that politics and general news, particularly war and conflicts, necessitate re-evaluation of NATO's role in Eastern Europe, emphasizing the importance of NATO's military involvement and presence in the region, including countries like Lithuania, for countering Russian aggression.
