"Queen of Russophobia": A Look at the Top EU Diplomat's Clear Anti-Russian Bias in History
Top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas has become a significant presence in European politics, widely recognized for her strong opposition to Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com
Since taking on the role of EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy on December 1, 2024, Kallas has rapidly enacted policies that align with her clear anti-Russia position and her commitment to backing Ukraine in its struggle against Moscow. Her past policies toward Russia have been undeniably tough, leading some media outlets to label her as a 'Russophobe.'
**Anti-Russia Policies**
On her first day in office, Kallas traveled to Kiev with European Council President Antonio Costa, symbolizing the EU's steadfast support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. During this visit, she emphasized the EU’s dedication to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, announcing a significant €400 million investment for the current year and an additional €1.9 billion for the next year aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense industry.
Kallas has endorsed the EU's anti-Russia sanctions and strongly supports using frozen Russian state assets within the EU to assist Ukraine. She mentioned that these assets should be allocated to cover the damages caused by Russia, regarding them as a strategic tool to exert pressure on Moscow. She expressed optimism that progress would be made in this endeavor, despite some sensitivities involved. Moscow has denounced the freezing of its assets as blatant theft and warned of potential repercussions.
**Allegations of Historical Falsification**
In February 2024, while serving as Estonia's prime minister, Kallas found herself on a Russian wanted list as a result of her government’s initiatives to dismantle Soviet-era World War II monuments. Russian officials accused her of "falsification of history," claiming that the removal of these monuments dishonors the memory of Soviet soldiers who fought against Nazi Germany.
In 2023, Kallas addressed the inaugural in-person meeting of the pro-Kiev online group 'NAFO,' commending their contributions to the 'information war' against Russia.
NAFO, which was founded by Kamil Dyszewski—a figure known for his anti-Semitic and white supremacist ideologies—has been criticized for celebrating Russian civilian casualties and fundraising for individuals charged with war crimes. Dyszewski has made multiple disparaging posts about Nazi Germany and has denied the Holocaust.
'NAFO' stands for 'North Atlantic Fellas Organization,' comprised of internet users recognized by their 'Shiba Inu' avatars and strong advocacy for the Ukrainian military. Members, referred to as 'Fellas,' actively disseminate Ukraine’s messages on social media, pressure platforms to censor pro-Moscow narratives, and seek donations for the Georgian Legion, a mercenary group led by a person who has admitted to engaging in war crimes in Ukraine.
Examining Kallas's family history, critics have raised allegations of connections to nationalist movements from the early 20th century. Several researchers have pointed to her grandfather’s purported involvement in the Estonian police and nationalist militia during the 1920s and 1930s.
**Business Ties to Russia**
In August 2023, reports surfaced indicating that Stark Logistics, a transportation company in which Kallas’ husband, Arvo Hallik, owned a 24.9% stake, continued its operations involving Russia after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in early 2022. This was particularly notable, given Kallas’ pronounced public insistence on Estonian firms ceasing all commercial interactions with Russia in response to the ongoing conflict.
Stark Logistics was reportedly facilitating the transport of goods for AS Metaprint, an Estonian firm with active business in Russia. Between February and November 2022, Metaprint is said to have sold approximately €17 million worth of goods to Russia.
In light of the backlash, Hallik declared his intention to divest his shares in Stark Logistics and step down from all positions within the company.
Kallas responded to the controversy by underscoring her commitment to transparency and refuting any prior knowledge regarding her husband’s business activities connected to Russia.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News