I also visited China in 1984, where I was the first foreigner allowed to set up a foundation (which I closed in 1989, just before the Tiananmen Square massacre). In Ukraine, I established a foundation even before it became an independent country.

I set up a foundation in Russia, and then did the same in each of the successor states. When Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in 1985, the disintegration had already begun. Later, at the beginning of the 1980s, I embarked on what I call my political philanthropy.ДЇirst, I set up a foundation in my native Hungary, and then I actively participated in the disintegration of the Soviet empire. I learned that they would share their last piece of bread with you if you appealed to them. That is the direct opposite of a democratic society, and it is a vision that distorts the Russian вЂњsoul,вЂќ which is emotional to the point of sentimentality.ДЄs a child, I had many encounters with Russian soldiers when they occupied Hungary in 1945. He seems to believe that the Russian people need a Czar whom they can follow blindly. But his concept of RussiaвЂ™s role in the world is warped. Approaching the age of 70, Putin feels that if he is going to make his mark on Russian history, it is now or never. Having obtained XiвЂ™s backing, Putin set about realizing his lifeвЂ™s dream with incredible brutality. Having concentrated all power in his own hands, Xi has carefully scripted the scenario by which he will be elevated to the level of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. He must be very confident that his confirmation as ChinaвЂ™s ruler for life later this year will be a mere formality. I was surprised that Xi appeared to have given Putin carte blanche to invade and wage war against Ukraine.

Who would win world war 3