Russia puts Estonian PM Kaja Kallas, two Baltic ministers on wanted list

Russian police have put Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Estonian State Secretary Taimar Peterkop and Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys on a wanted list, according to a report, citing Russian Interior Ministry’s database.

The database did not say what offence or offences they were wanted for. However, Russian news agency TASS quoted a source saying they were accused of “destroying monuments to Soviet soldiers”. This is the first time that Russia has opened a criminal case against a current head of a foreign state. According to Nexta report, the revelation came to light after a publication named Mediazona leaked the full wanted database of the Russian Interior Ministry, exposing the names of several high-profile Baltic and Polish officials targeted by Russian authorities. Alongside Prime Minister Kallas, Peterkop and Kairys, members of the Latvian Saeima are also being sought. Additionally, two Polish officials and the director of the Institute of National Memory of Poland have been included in the Russian Interior Ministry’s wanted list, added the report. Estonia’s Prime Minister Kallas had recently delivered a strong message, warning that the conflict in Ukraine will endure until Russia recognises the futility of its pursuit for victory. Kallas urged Western allies of Ukraine to maintain steadfast support, both in terms of military assistance and financial aid. Highlighting Russia’s preparedness for a prolonged struggle, Kallas advised against falling into the snares set by the Kremlin. In an interview with the Austrian news outlet Der Standard, Kallas stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and resolute amid the complexities of the ongoing crisis. “It is a mistake to believe that the war can be won quickly,” she added. Kallas reiterated that entering peace negotiations with Moscow does not guarantee tranquility, warning that acquiescing to Russia’s territorial ambitions would only fulfill its desires without securing enduring peace. The prime minister emphasised that yielding to the fear of Russia would only embolden the Kremlin further. “Weakness provokes Russia, not strength," she said. Amid mounting apprehensions over the enduring conflict in Ukraine, the certainty of Western assistance to the nation is in question. As Ukraine enters its third year of war, doubts linger about the sustained backing from Western allies. The United States, notably, has been a crucial supporter, offering significant aid to Ukraine. However, concerns have arisen as military assistance was halted on December 6, following the US Senate’s failure to pass the bill for funding aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Recently, a delegation from Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, and Lithuania visited the US Congress to underscore their ongoing support for Ukraine. Despite their efforts, no consensus was reached, and the aid remains stalled. In response, Kallas urged Western nations to persist in their support for Ukraine as it confronts Russian aggression. With inputs from agencies