The hawkish Estonian prime minister is leaving a political crisis at home to take the top diplomatic post in Brussels.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been nominated by the leaders of EU member states to become the next high representative for security and foreign policy.

The politician – selected to speak for Brussels internationally and balance conflicting interests in the EU – has a reputation as an uncompromising hawk on Russia.

Before beginning a five-year term, Kallas will need approval from the European Parliament, whose members are expected to vote on her appointment in July, a step widely seen as a formality.

Kallas has embraced the idea that at some point NATO countries may have to deploy troops in Ukraine to prevent Moscow from defeating Kiev, first put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron in February.

“We shouldn’t be afraid of our own power. Russia is saying this or that step is escalation, but defense is not escalation,” the Estonian politician said of the proposal.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has called out Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas: “Kallas is well known in Russia for her absolutely uncompromising and sometimes even rabid Russophobic statements.”

Source: RT International

Background image courtesy of Al Mayadeen, modified by me.