Because of Moscow’s wanted list
Baltic states invite Russian diplomats
February 14, 2024, 2:23 p.m
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Russia recently put numerous high-ranking politicians from Estonia and Latvia on its wanted list. The two countries are now inviting the chargé d’affaires of the Russian embassy to speak – and are sending clear words to the diplomats.
Estonia has summoned the charge d’affaires of the Russian embassy in Tallinn because of the inclusion of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and State Secretary Taimar Peterkop on a Russian wanted list. During the conversation, outrage at Russia’s move was expressed and a written explanation was demanded, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said.
The Russian diplomat was informed that Moscow’s actions would not have the desired effect on Estonia’s politics and that the Baltic EU and NATO country continued to resolutely support Ukraine, it said. Neighboring Latvia also invited the Russian chargé d’affaires to the Foreign Ministry for talks.
According to a statement, there were strong protests and condemnation of the Russian practice of extending its national jurisdiction beyond its borders to Latvia. Russia had previously put Kallas and other high-ranking politicians from the Baltic states – including more than 80 from Latvia – on a wanted list. The Russian authorities accuse them of demolishing Soviet war memorials.
Kallas herself reacted unimpressed to her inclusion on the wanted list and described it as “not surprising”. “This is further proof that I am doing the right thing,” she wrote on the social network X. Kallas is a staunch supporter of Ukraine in the fight against the Russian invaders.