The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the Estonian state secretary, Taimar Peterkop; the Lithuanian culture minister, Simonas Kairys; and Kallas were accused of "destroying monuments to Soviet soldiers", a reference to the removal of Soviet-era second world war memorials
"This is only the start," Zakharova wrote on her Telegram channel. "Crimes against the memory of the world's liberators from nazism and fascism must be prosecuted." Russian authorities have not revealed the exact charges against the three.
Moscow has placed senior Ukrainian officials and generals on its wanted list since the start of the war, but Kallas is the first known head of government to be sought by Moscow.
The Estonian prime minister has been one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine, leading efforts to increase military assistance to Kyiv and tighten sanctions against Russia. Kallas called Russia's move "nothing surprising". She wrote on X: "The Kremlin now hopes this move will help to silence me and others - but it won't. The opposite. I will continue my strong support to Ukraine. I will continue to stand for increasing Europe's defence."
Moscow's decision to add Kallas to its wanted list will increase tension in the region at a time when many western capitals have sounded the alarm over a military threat from Russia.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin February 14, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin February 14, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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