Garry Kasparov Cancels Berlin Appearance Following Targeted Russian Assassination Threats
Security warnings force the prominent Russian dissident to abandon travel plans for Berlin Freedom Week.
1Security Threats Force Cancellation
Garry Kasparov, the former world chess champion and vocal Putin critic, canceled his scheduled appearance at Berlin Freedom Week. Security services advised against the trip, citing an unjustifiable risk to his life. Kasparov instead delivered a video address, confirming that he remains a primary target for Russian state-sponsored assassination plots.
2Coordinated Plots in America
U.S. authorities uncovered a five-person network allegedly operating under Moscow's orders to target dissidents. Reports indicate this group planned attacks in both the United States and Lithuania. Kasparov and his collaborator, Ivan Tyutrin, received direct warnings from intelligence agencies regarding these specific threats, prompting him to significantly increase his personal security.
3Escalating Personal Protection Measures
Since fleeing Russia in 2013, Kasparov has lived in New York, but recent intelligence has forced a return to extreme security protocols. He now travels with bodyguards, a stark contrast to the freedom he enjoyed after leaving professional chess. He previously utilized eight guards who monitored his food and water to prevent poisoning.
4Criticism of European Policy
Kasparov publicly rebuked European leaders for allowing the continent to become a playground for Vladimir Putin. He specifically highlighted the influence of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, noting his close ties to Moscow. Kasparov warned that if the Kremlin can target him, no European citizen, spouse, or child is truly safe.
5Historical Pattern of Violence
The threat against Kasparov follows a series of high-profile attacks attributed to Russian state actors. These include the 2019 Berlin murder of Zelimkhan Jangoshvili, the 2018 poisoning of Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, and the 2024 killing of pilot Maxim Kuzminov in Spain. These incidents underscore the persistent danger faced by prominent Russian exiles.
6Designation as Terrorist Organization
The Russian government intensified its pressure on opposition figures by labeling the Free Russia Forum, co-founded by Kasparov, as a terrorist organization in 2025. This legal designation reflects the Kremlin's ongoing campaign to criminalize dissent. Kasparov remains a wanted man in his home country, further complicating his ability to travel safely internationally.
7Intelligence and State Orders
Kasparov expressed skepticism that such complex assassination plots could proceed without a direct order from Vladimir Putin. The identified network reportedly included an ex-colonel with deep ties to the Russian leadership, his FSB officer son, and a Cuban dancer. These details highlight the diverse and unconventional nature of the Kremlin's operatives.
8Defiance Amidst Persistent Danger
Despite the threats, Kasparov maintains that he will not hide or cease his political work. He continues to advocate for military and economic aid for Ukraine, asserting that his family cannot be truly safe while Putin remains in power. He remains committed to his activism despite the severe restrictions on his mobility.