MOSCOW: Russia escalated tensions with the Baltic states on Tuesday by declaring Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and other Baltic officials as “wanted” amidst a dispute over the removal of Soviet-era war memorials in their respective countries.
This development exacerbates the strained relations between Russia and the Baltics, all of which were formerly occupied by the Soviet Union and harbor significant Russian minority populations.
The Russian Interior Ministry, without disclosing specific charges, designated Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys and Estonian State Secretary Taimar Peterkop as “wanted” alongside Kallas.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that they were targeted due to their involvement in the removal of monuments dedicated to Soviet soldiers.
Zakharova emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, “Crimes against the memory of the liberators of the world from Nazism and fascism must be punished. And this is just the beginning.”
The Kremlin echoed this sentiment, condemning the actions of those targeted as “hostile” to Russia’s historical memory. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that the decisions made by these individuals constituted an affront to historical truth.
In response, Kairys accused Russia of distorting facts and perpetuating its narrative to suppress freedom. He criticized the Russian regime for disregarding factual accuracy and attempting to impose its version of events.
