Garry Kasparov, former world champion at chess, spoke Friday at the Church of St. Mary, Aldermanbury on Westminster College's campus.
His speech was part of the 39th International Churchill Conference, as well as being the 36th Enid and R. Crosby Kemper Lecture to take place on Westminster's campus.
In addition to being a former chess world champion, Kasparov is an outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin and Russia. He currently serves as chair of the Human Rights Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to promote and protect human rights around the world. Kasparov is also a member of the Anti-War Committee of Russia, which was created by Russian exiles.
Prior to the lecture, Kasparov was inducted as an honorary Churchill Fellow. He was inducted alongside Catherine Carter, Susan Piper and Donald Lofe Jr., president of Westminster.
Kasparov's lecture was about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the consequences that have occurred or could potentially occur because of the invasion.
After Kasparov's speech, he took questions from the crowd. He answered questions about Putin, authoritarian regimes, basic human freedoms, China and challenges to democracy.
Kasparov said he learned about Winston Churchill and his legacy growing up, which served as one of heroes.
"It was my dream as a teenager in the Soviet Union one day to speak at Fulton," Kasparov said. "So I am very happy today."