ESTONIAN PRIME MINISTER KAJA Kallas has emerged as one of Europe's most combative leaders as the continent grapples with the return of major war.
The 45-year-old's ceaseless repudiation of Russian aggression-and of those allies who are seemingly hesitant to face it-has earned Kallas vitriol from the Kremlin and a new nickname in the West: Europe's "new Iron Lady," a moniker once bestowed upon former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
"I don't know how to answer this," Kallas says, laughing, at the nickname during an exclusive Newsweek interview at the Stenbock House, the official seat of the Estonian government. "I guess it shows that I've been very firm about the issues that I'm talking about. And I think it is meant as a compliment. Although maybe in some countries, it's not. I think it's actually illustrating the point that we are being heard now. And I think it's recognition for us, as Estonia. It's good that we are recognized."
Kallas has certainly been firm. The Estonian prime minister, who took office in 2021, has consistently been among those urging an ever-tougher response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and agitation around NATO and European Union borders. Her government was among the first to send lethal aid to Ukraine when Russian troops massed on Ukraine's borders and since the February 2022 invasion, Estonia has led the way in military aid to Kyiv.
Now, Kallas' new government is increasing military spending to 3 percent of GDP-above the 2 percent target agreed by NATO states in 2014 and is pushing NATO allies to do the same.
Estonia described by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova as "one of the most hostile states towards Russia" has been in the hawkish vanguard on sanctions and political isolation of Russia. It is also a staunch backer of EU and NATO membership for Ukraine, and supports Kyiv's proposed war crimes prosecutions of Putin and his top officials.
Esta historia es de la edición June 16, 2023 de Newsweek US.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 16, 2023 de Newsweek US.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Most Loved Workplaces 2024
A THE WORLD'S MOST LOVED WORKPLACES ARE REMARKABLE FOR A variety of reasons.
Maya Hawke
MAYA HAWKE WEARS MANY HATS: ACTOR, WRITER, SINGER. BUT FOR Hawke, everything comes down to words.
Jacob Anderson
ANNE RICE'S NOVEL INTERVIEW WITH THE Vampire has a rabid fan base, intensely protective of the story and any adaptations of it.
VOTES OF NO CONFIDENCE
Why recent U.K. election results will ring alarm bells for Joe Biden
BIDEN'S BATTLEGROUND ELECTION
A small number of Democrats PROTESTING the president's support for Israel's war in Gaza could PREVENT him from winning a second term
'It's Time to Treat Addiction Like Cancer'
Both are serious illnesses but, unlike those struggling with substance use disorders, didn’t face shame and stigma when seeking help over my tumors
Could Influencers Survive a Tik Tok Ban?
With some content creators able to make good money from views and brand collaborations on the app, losing access to it could come ata high price
All Welcome, Except Some
A Chinese foreign agent is behind an Asian American parade in New York City with Mayor Eric Adams, but not everyone is invited
America's Maternity Hospitals 2024
The arrival of a healthy baby brings unparalleled joy. It's no wonder that families welcoming their newest members are looking for high-quality health care to ensure a smooth delivery and reliable postpartum care.
THE WEST SHOULD EXERT EVERY EFFORT TO MAKE RUSSIA PAY THE HIGHEST PRICE POSSIBLE FOR ITS AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
RUSSIA'S FULL-SCALE INVASION of Ukraine in February 2022 awakened the worst memories for Georgians.