Russia has placed former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on its wanted list for unspecified criminal charges, according to reports from Russian state media. Tymoshenko joins Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his predecessor Petro Poroshenko on the list, which also includes officials and lawmakers from Ukraine and NATO countries. The Fatherland party, led by Tymoshenko, has not yet commented on the news.
Among those on the wanted list is Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of NATO and EU member Estonia, who has advocated for increased military aid to Ukraine and stronger sanctions against Russia. Russian officials claim Kallas is wanted for efforts to remove Soviet-era monuments in Estonia, seen as symbols of past oppression.
Russia’s laws criminalize the rehabilitation of Nazism and the desecration of war memorials, leading to charges against officials from Baltic nations and the International Criminal Court prosecutor who prepared a war crimes warrant against President Vladimir Putin.
Moscow has also charged the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence with terrorist activities, including drone strikes on Russian infrastructure. The reasons behind these charges and Russia’s actions in adding individuals to its wanted list remain unclear.
The inclusion of prominent figures like Tymoshenko and Kallas on the list reflects escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The situation continues to develop, with potential implications for international relations and diplomatic efforts.
Source
Photo credit apnews.com