Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that she does not fear the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs decision to place her on a wanted list. She conveyed this in an interview with Reuters, emphasizing that the move is aimed at intimidating her to avoid decisions she would otherwise pursue.
Kallas noted that the action did not surprise or frighten her. She suggested that the rumor of her potentially replacing Josep Borrell as the EU’s top diplomat for foreign affairs and security policy might be driving the move, she told Reuters.
On February 13, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that Kallas was wanted. The official database lists her under an article of the Russian Criminal Code, but it provides no details about the alleged crime for which she is sought.
The Estonian government leader spoke about the ongoing need to advance a law aimed at dismantling Soviet monuments, a policy issue that had faced a blockage by Estonia’s president in 2023. The discussion highlighted the broader debate over how post-Soviet space addresses historic monuments and memory, a topic that continues to influence security and national identity discussions in the region.
Additionally, there has been mention of a Russian diplomat seeking information about Kallas, a development that adds to the volatility and complexity of Estonia’s diplomatic signaling amid ongoing tensions with Moscow. The situation underscores how geopolitical frictions can manifest in statements and actions that ripple through international relations.