Former world champion in chess and Kremlin critic Garry Kasparov has warned that easing sanctions against Russia would enable Moscow to strengthen military capacities and kill more Ukrainians.

Kasparov rejected the idea of easing sanctions in exchange for releasing Russian political prisoners, arguing such an act would have direct consequences for Ukraine.

According to him, economic restrictions on Moscow are not only diplomatic instruments but also a way to prevent the financing and production of weapons used in war.

The less sanctions there are, the more such components will reach Russia, Kasparov declared, referring to parts used for missile production and drones, writes kivjetpost.

He warned that greater revenues from energy and the ease of the supply with Western components would give the Kremlin more opportunities to expand military production.

Kasparov also criticised diplomatic efforts to end the war, but defended the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in negotiations.

According to him, Ukraine cannot jeopardise relations with the United States because it depends on American military assistance and intelligence.

He praised that Zelensky is obliged to participate in these talks due to circumstances and the need to preserve Washington’s support.

Casparov’s statements come at a time when opportunities for restarting negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the United States are being discussed, while the issue of sanctions remains one of the main instruments of pressure on Moscow. /Telegraphy/