Europe's New 'Iron Lady'

Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas has taken a strong stand against Russia and wants fellow NATO countries to do the same

- DAVID BRENNAN

ESTONIAN PRIME MINISTER KAJA Kallas has emerged as one of Europe's most combative leaders as the continent grapples with the return of major war.

The 45-year-old's ceaseless repudiation of Russian aggression-and of those allies who are seemingly hesitant to face it-has earned Kallas vitriol from the Kremlin and a new nickname in the West: Europe's "new Iron Lady," a moniker once bestowed upon former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

"I don't know how to answer this," Kallas says, laughing, at the nickname during an exclusive Newsweek interview at the Stenbock House, the official seat of the Estonian government. "I guess it shows that I've been very firm about the issues that I'm talking about. And I think it is meant as a compliment. Although maybe in some countries, it's not. I think it's actually illustrating the point that we are being heard now. And I think it's recognition for us, as Estonia. It's good that we are recognized."

Kallas has certainly been firm. The Estonian prime minister, who took office in 2021, has consistently been among those urging an ever-tougher response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and agitation around NATO and European Union borders. Her government was among the first to send lethal aid to Ukraine when Russian troops massed on Ukraine's borders and since the February 2022 invasion, Estonia has led the way in military aid to Kyiv.

Now, Kallas' new government is increasing military spending to 3 percent of GDP-above the 2 percent target agreed by NATO states in 2014 and is pushing NATO allies to do the same.

Estonia described by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova as "one of the most hostile states towards Russia" has been in the hawkish vanguard on sanctions and political isolation of Russia. It is also a staunch backer of EU and NATO membership for Ukraine, and supports Kyiv's proposed war crimes prosecutions of Putin and his top officials.