Harry Kasparov, speaking to The Free Press, stated that Russia's President Putin was emboldened to attack Ukraine due to a return to normal trade after sanctions failed to cripple the Russian economy. Kasparov asserted that NATO was created to defend Europe from Soviet or Russian attack, and that Russia's war against Ukraine is precisely the scenario NATO was designed for.

Kasparov further stated that NATO's refusal to intervene or close Ukraine's sky is contrary to the alliance's founding purpose. He criticized the European Union's perceived continued trade with Russia despite sanctions and suggested this emboldened Putin. Kasparov drew a stark comparison between Russia's actions in Ukraine and potential Israeli actions in Gaza, implying a double standard in international response.