Russian chess grandmaster Kasparov criticizes Russia, calls support for Ukraine

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - Russian chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov on Thursday criticized Russian military intervention and called support for Ukraine.

"Support Ukraine militarily, immediately, everything but boots on the ground. All weapons, intel, cyber," the former world chess champion wrote on his Twitter account.

"Bankrupt Putin's war machine. Freeze & seize Russia's finances & those of him and his gang," he added.

Kasparov said Russia should be kicked out of every international and financial institution in the world, including Interpol.

"Ban all elements of Putin's global propaganda machine. Turn them off, shut them down, send them home. Stop helping the dictator spread lies & hate," he wrote.

He also said all countries' ambassadors should be recalled from Russia, adding, "There is no point in talking. The new unified message is 'stop or be isolated completely'."

Kasparov, who became the youngest undisputed world chess champion in 1985, at the age of 22, argued that Russian oil and natural gas should be replaced.

He advocated that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) should be pressured to increase their crude oil production.

"Acknowledge there will be costs, sacrifices. We waited too long, the price is high, but it will only get higher. It's time to fight," he added.