Russia on Tuesday escalated tensions by declaring Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas a “wanted” individual, a move that underscores the deepening diplomatic rift between the two nations.
The inclusion of Kallas in Russia’s interior ministry database, under the category of “wanted under the criminal code,” raised concerns over the nature of potential charges, as none were explicitly specified.
Additionally, Estonia’s State Secretary Taimar Peterkop and Lithuania’s Culture Minister Simonas Kairys were also listed as wanted individuals.
According to DW, an anonymous source within Russian security circles, speaking to the state-run TASS news agency, asserted that the trio of Baltic lawmakers faces prosecution for alleged involvement in “destroying monuments to Soviet soldiers” dating back to World War II.
Kallas, a vocal advocate for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has emerged as a prominent figure within the European Union and NATO, advocating for increased support and arms supplies to Ukraine.
Her steadfast stance on Ukraine’s behalf has drawn both admiration and ire, exacerbating tensions between Estonia and Russia.
