Russian Chess Champ Kasparov: Putin 'Absolutely' Behind U.S. Election Hacks

Former Russian chess champion Garry Kasparov says Russian President Vladimir Putin is “absolutely” behind hacks into the Democratic National Committee’s email server, as he attempts to disrupt the U.S. election.

“I think Putin realizes Trump’s winning chances are evaporating steadily,” Kasparov said during an interview on Cavuto Coast to Coast. He added, “there’s no way any agency in Russia can aim at the United States, targeting U.S. elections, some kind of a cyber war, without Putin’s direct order.”

Calling it a “risky endeavor,” the former chess champ debunked rumors the Chinese were behind the attacks.

“I don’t think the Chinese are ready to take such a risk—what for?,” he asked. “And I don’t believe isolated groups of hackers can also force such a massive attack—they don’t have resources. I think that Putin now wants to spread some kind of doubts in the American electoral system.”

Kasparov added: “I think what will happen in America in the next 30 days is quite important. But as I said, it’s not just about Trump winning. It’s about sort of destroying the integrity of U.S. democracy worldwide… Trump is a danger for U.S. democracy and what he did already, I believe he has buried the GOP.”