Russia has placed Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kalas on its wanted list, an official list revealed on Tuesday, as tensions between Russia and the West escalate over Ukraine.
Mr Karas’ name was placed on the Home Office’s wanted list in connection with the criminal charges. It has not been revealed what charges Mr. Karas is facing.
This is the first time the ministry has placed a foreign leader on the wanted list.
Karas is a strong supporter of Ukraine and has spearheaded efforts to increase military aid to Kiev and tighten sanctions against Russia.
She also called for the removal of monuments to Soviet soldiers from World War II, angering Moscow. Russia has a law that criminalizes “Nazi revival” and includes provisions punishing the desecration of war memorials.
According to the list, Estonia’s Secretary of State Taimaru Peterkop was also wanted.
The move appears to reflect an attempt by the Russian government to up the ante as it faces pressure from its NATO allies as fighting in Ukraine enters its second year. Contact with the West has been frozen and therefore has little practical meaning.
There was no immediate reaction to the move from Estonian authorities.
