On December 1, 2024, Kaja Kallas took on the role of the European Union’s (EU) top diplomat, the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Right away, she made it clear that she would stand firmly against Russia and back Ukraine in its ongoing war with Moscow.
A Tough Stance Against Russia
Kallas’ first move in office was a bold one: she visited Kyiv, Ukraine, on the very first day, alongside European Council President Antonio Costa. This trip was a clear message that the EU was fully supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. During her visit, Kallas pledged millions in defense aid for Ukraine. €400 million ($420 million) was set aside for the current year, with an additional €1.9 billion promised for the next year to help strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry.
Kallas has long been a supporter of EU sanctions against Russia and has even pushed for using frozen Russian assets within the EU to help Ukraine. She believes that Russia’s frozen state funds should be used to pay for the damage caused by the war. Moscow, however, is furious, calling this “theft” and warning of consequences.
A History of Controversy
Kallas also received a lot of attention because of her actions as the prime minister of Estonia before taking on her new role. In February 2024, Russia added her to a wanted list after her government began removing Soviet-era World War II monuments from Estonia. Russian officials accused Kallas of “falsifying history,” claiming the removal was an insult to the memory of Soviet soldiers who fought Nazi Germany.
Kallas is also known for her close ties to a pro-Ukraine online group called ‘NAFO,’ which is dedicated to supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia. The group is known for its strong social media presence, including memes and campaigns to spread Ukraine’s message. However, it has also been linked to disturbing views, with its founder known for anti-Semitic and white supremacist beliefs.
Family Ties to Russia?
While Kallas is outspoken about her anti-Russia stance, her family’s past has raised some questions. Researchers have dug into her grandfather’s history and found that he might have been involved with nationalist groups and even worked in Estonian police forces in the 1920s and 1930s, which has caused some critics to question her connections to far-right movements.
Business Ties That Raised Eyebrows
Another controversy surrounding Kallas involves her husband, Arvo Hallik, and his business dealings with Russia. In August 2023, reports revealed that Hallik owned a 24.9% stake in a transportation company called Stark Logistics. This company continued doing business with Russia even after the war in Ukraine began, which directly contradicted Kallas’ strong public stance against any business dealings with Moscow. Stark Logistics was even found to be involved in transporting goods for a company, Metaprint, that continued to sell products to Russia.
The situation sparked outrage, and Hallik was forced to sell his shares in Stark Logistics and step down from his position. Kallas quickly responded, insisting that she had no knowledge of her husband’s business activities and emphasizing her commitment to transparency.
A Leader with a Complex Legacy
Kaja Kallas’ leadership is marked by her strong support for Ukraine and her tough stance against Russia. However, her past actions and family connections have raised eyebrows and made her a figure of controversy. While she’s making waves in European diplomacy, there are still many questions surrounding her history and family ties that could affect her future as the EU’s top diplomat.
