“Putin needs a winning narrative”: Garry Kasparov warns NATO’s east may be tested next

Garry Kasparov said Vladimir Putin is likely seeking a “winning narrative” and that NATO’s eastern members could be tested next. The former chess champion argued that Russia may escalate through disinformation, cyberattacks, or limited military pressure designed to provoke political splits and weaken deterrence. Kasparov pointed to battlefield setbacks as a factor in Russia’s need to demonstrate progress. He urged NATO to strengthen readiness, improve resilience to hybrid tactics, and maintain unity among allies. His comments underscored wider concerns about security risks in Central and Eastern Europe.