Russia initiates criminal investigation against Estonian PM

Russia on February 13, 2024 declared Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas a "wanted" person over an undisclosed criminal case. Photo: John Thys / AFP / Scanpix

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched criminal proceedings against Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, as well as State Secretary Taimar Peterkop, Lithuanian minister of culture and members of the Lithuanian Seimas, the independent Russian publication Meduza reports.

Journalists from Meduza have obtained access to a database of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, which lists individuals who are sought for criminal charges. The list of wanted individuals includes the Estonian prime minister.

«For the first time in history, the Russian wanted list includes a prime minister of another country -- Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who has expressed support for the removal of Soviet monuments. In addition to her, Estonian State Secretary Taimar Peterkop is also wanted by the Russian authorities,» Meduza reported on Tuesday morning.