Kasparov: Xi Jinping may be the only one stopping Putin's nuclear threat

Russian opposition leader Garry Kasparov has identified Chinese President Xi Jinping as a crucial deterrent against Russian President Vladimir Putin's potential use of nuclear weapons. Kasparov stated that while many perceive a growing probability of nuclear escalation, Xi Jinping's influence is what currently restrains Putin.

In an interview, Kasparov addressed the hypothetical scenario of Ukraine possessing nuclear weapons during Russia's invasion, asserting that such a situation would have prevented the attack. He also discussed the idea of Russia's potential disintegration, arguing it should not be viewed as an inherent nuclear threat. Kasparov recalled historical instances, specifically in 1989-1991, where similar concerns about nuclear proliferation during the Soviet Union's collapse were raised but ultimately managed.

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Why have we been discussing the possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons in recent years? Russia is led by a maniac. Everyone says there is such a probability. Perhaps only Xi Jinping is keeping him in check.

"Why have we been discussing the possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons in recent years? Russia is led by a maniac. Everyone says there is such a probability. Perhaps only Xi Jinping is keeping him in check," Kasparov remarked. He further elaborated that the alternative to this potential chaos is the continuation of the war, which he believes increases the likelihood of Putin ultimately resorting to nuclear force, regardless of Xi's stance.

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The alternative to this potential chaos is the continuation of the war, and the increasing probability that the maniac will eventually press the button, regardless of what Xi Jinping says.

Kasparov referenced a historical precedent, suggesting that nuclear weapons could be withdrawn from many entities if the Russian Federation were to disintegrate. He drew parallels to the American and European responses during the Soviet Union's dissolution, recalling George H.W. Bush's August 1991 speech in Kyiv, which advised against allowing the USSR's breakup. Kasparov believes that despite past events, life continued normally, but Moscow has initiated a new war, necessitating an end to imperialistic ambitions.

The article also briefly mentions recent nuclear rhetoric from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who threatened attacks on nuclear power plants in Ukraine and NATO member states following accusations of a Ukrainian attack on the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Medvedev warned of a potential "new Chernobyl" if the reactor building or machine hall were destroyed.

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If the reactor hall or machine hall of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant were destroyed catastrophically, the world would face a new Chernobyl.