Estonia seeks clarification on PM’s business ties to Russia

Estonian President Alar Karis has asked PM Kaja Kallas to provide the public with an explanation on the scandal surrounding her husband's business dealings with Russia, Estonian news outlet Postimees reported on Aug. 24.

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Earlier, Estonian media reported that Kallas's husband, Arvo Hallik, manages several companies which are still operating in Russia. Notably, a transport company, Stark Logistics, continued its cooperation with Russia despite the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

President Karis, addressing the scandal involving Kallas's husband, stated that while he couldn't pass judgement on the seriousness of the allegations, he believes the PM has a responsibility to clarify the situation.

Karis commented on the topic on Ukraine's Independence Day, emphasizing that their nation was awaiting Kallas's explanation. He suggested that once she does, she must consider her next move carefully with her advisors.

In response to a journalist's question about whether the situation harmed Estonia's international reputation, Karis admitted that some aspects of the scandal may have done so. He tied the scandal to increasing instances of non-compliance with EU sanctions, especially in Estonia.

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"If we have agreed on sanctions, we must make sure they work; otherwise, make ourselves a laughing stock," the president said.

Kallas denied the reports on her Facebook page.

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“Today, ERR published news about a company associated with my husband doing business in Russia; I want to emphasize, my husband has no business clients in the Russian Federation," the PM wrote.

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Kallas also dedicated the first minutes of a government press conference to the scandal surrounding her husband.

“I've always tried to separate my work and personal life. According to my husband, they have an internal rule that you can't even fill up on gas in Russia,” she said.

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