Kremlin claims that EU choice for chief diplomat is rabid Russophobe
Date
6/30/2024 8:44:09 AM
(MENAFN) The Kremlin has expressed strong disapproval of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas’s nomination to lead the European Union’s foreign policy, labeling her as a "rabid Russophobe." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted Kallas's history of making hostile statements towards Russia, describing her as a pronounced Russia hawk. Kallas was officially nominated to replace Josep Borrell on Friday, but her appointment still requires approval from the newly elected European Union Parliament, which is expected to be a mere formality.
Peskov commented on the nomination, stating, “Kallas is well known [in Russia] for her absolutely uncompromising and sometimes even rabid Russophobic statements.” He also remarked on Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination for a third term as the president of the European Commission, indicating that she, too, is not in favor of normalizing relations between the European Union and Russia. “That is what we know her for and that is how we remember her. In this sense, nothing has changed,” Peskov said.
Several Russian officials have voiced concerns that Kallas's policies will lead to further escalation. Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Kallas’s appointment would “increase the level of insanity” in Brussels.
Throughout her tenure as Prime Minister, Kallas has been a vocal advocate for stronger sanctions against Russia and increased military support for Ukraine. Estonia, under her leadership, became the first European Union nation to approve a mechanism to confiscate frozen Russian assets and use them as “compensation” for Ukraine. In a 2022 op-ed in The New York Times, Kallas called for a “long-term policy of smart containment” of Moscow, emphasizing unwavering support for Ukraine, sanctions on Russian oil and gas exports, and increased military spending among European Union members.
The Kremlin's reaction underscores the already strained relations between Russia and the European Union, highlighting concerns over Kallas's potential impact on future European Union foreign policy.
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