“When [Vladimir] Putin, a former lieutenant-colonel in the KGB, became Russia's president on December 31, 1999 - eight years after the failed coup attempt against (then Soviet leader Mikhail) Gorbachev, and eight years after the people had torn down the statue of Felix Dzerzhinsky, the hated founder of the KGB, in Moscow - it was admittedly a shock. Nevertheless, I decided to give Putin a chance. He seemed dynamic and capable of learning. But I had to bury my hopes after just a few months. He proved to be an autocrat - and, because the West let him do as he pleased, he became a dictator.”
Quote by Garry Kasparov
Author
Garry Kasparov
Garry Kasparov is a renowned chess grandmaster, writer, and activist. Born on April 13, 1963, he is considered one of the greatest chess players in history, having won multiple world chess championships. Kasparov's achievements are not limited to the chessboard; he is also a prominent figure in social and political activism, promoting the culture of chess and advocating for democratic ideals. more