In an interview with Forbes Kazakhstan, political analyst Stanislav Belkovsky stated that after the annexation of Crimea, a world war had begun. "When the annexation of Crimea began, I was pretty much... stunned. I realized that a world war was beginning," he said, answering a question about when he felt fatigue from the Ukrainian topic. According to him, he still holds this view: "It, this war, is already happening. That is obvious."
Belkovsky said that in spring 2014 he called friends connected to the Kyiv authorities and warned them of the impending danger. According to him, at the time they did not take his words seriously, but a year later they began asking how he knew. He also claimed that Russian elites had already understood: "the end is not coming, it has already come."
On the trip to Donetsk with Khodorkovsky
Belkovsky recalled how in late April 2014, together with Mikhail Khodorkovsky, he made a trip to Donetsk. According to him, the idea to go into the seized Donetsk Regional State Administration belonged to Khodorkovsky. Belkovsky advised against it but went with him. At the building they were met by people who first suggested they leave, but then others appeared, more serious, who invited them in. Belkovsky realized they might not be allowed to leave and advised Khodorkovsky to get out as quickly as possible. "Who needs me? But Khodorkovsky—that's a serious asset..." he explained.
Speaking of Khodorkovsky, Belkovsky noted that he "no longer has oligarchic arrogance" and his sense of danger is heightened.
On Girkin and Boroday
Belkovsky characterized Igor Girkin (Strelkov) as "a real warrior, a real killer" and compared him to Dr. Lecter. According to Belkovsky, Girkin was "removed" for precisely that reason. He described Alexander Boroday as "simply a funny guy" whom he has known for many years.
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