December 06, 2023

Estonia's Security Threat


Estonia's Security Threat
Natasha Chebanoo, Pexels.

According to Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, government officials are exploring strategies for deporting individuals who have opted to seek Russian citizenship. Kallas's statement came in response to Deputy Alexander Chaplygin's inquiry within the Riigikogu (Estonian parliament), as reported by Postimees.

Kallas emphasized that the Russian Federation's war on Ukraine constitutes a stark violation of international law, and that it has the added aim of destabilizing Estonia and its allied nations' security.

“The fact that a person who lives in Estonia decides to obtain Russian Federation citizenship," he said, "at a time when the Russian Federation attacks the Ukrainian state and people, indicates that, if necessary, within the framework of mobilization, [this person] is ready to join the Russian army and participate in attacks on Ukraine. This is already a threat to the security of the Republic of Estonia and a very clear signal that the Estonian state cannot ignore.”

In November, Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets revealed ongoing government efforts to explore deportation measures for individuals opting for Russian citizenship. Following this, Deputy Alexander Chaplygin sought clarification from the Prime Minister regarding the legal basis for such actions. Kallas responded, citing concerns about individuals posing security threats to Estonia.

Kallas continued, “I can assure you that the Minister of the Interior represents the official position of the government, which is based on the security and survival of Estonia... And the revocation of a long-term residence permit is preceded by an individual procedure, during which it is determined by law whether a foreigner poses a threat to public order and security of the Republic of Estonia."

Estonian officials highlighted that the forthcoming measures under consideration will not impact current residents holding Russian passports. With the country's prohibition on dual citizenship, the impending restrictions target individuals in Estonia formerly associated with the USSR who haven't obtained citizenship, as reported by Radio Liberty. As of January 2023, over 64,000 former USSR citizens without Estonian citizenship reside in Estonia, comprising 4.7% of the population.

You Might Also Like

Laughter Amid Tears
  • July 18, 2023

Laughter Amid Tears

The Pro-Ukrainian Twitter collective NAFO held its first-ever summit in Vilnius.
Tanks but No Tanks
  • August 21, 2022

Tanks but No Tanks

The Estonian city of Narva, on the Russian border, quietly dismantled a Soviet memorial featuring a T-34 tank.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of Our Books

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.
Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.
Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.
The Moscow Eccentric

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.
The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.  
93 Untranslatable Russian Words

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.
Survival Russian

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.
The Samovar Murders

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.
Life Stories: Original Fiction By Russian Authors

Life Stories: Original Fiction By Russian Authors

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955