Which Estonians were “the favorites” of the Russian media in the first half of the year?

Propastop has reviewed Propamon‘s data from the year’s first half and provides an overview of the ten Estonians who received the most attention in Russian media. In 2024, Russian media focused primarily on politicians and military personnel, highlighting statements that most irritated the Kremlin’s propaganda machine.

Propamon is a tool created by Propastop to monitor daily stories related to Estonia in Russian media. Propamon operates by tracking RSS feeds and Twitter streams from Russian media channels. It does not detect channels without these feeds or news not shared in the streams. The list of monitored channels is available on the bot’s homepage.

The following ranking is based on the number of topics covered in nearly three thousand articles collected by Propamon. It should be noted that multiple Russian outlets usually cover the same topic simultaneously, and the manner of coverage may vary somewhat. All references to the thoughts of Estonian individuals are presented in a way that the Kremlin-controlled media has served to Russian readers.

Number 10

EKRE member and Deputy Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu, Leo Kunnas

At the beginning of the year, Russian readers were alarmed by the news that “Estonia wants to place infantry mines near the Russian border.” Leo Kunnas had proposed placing both resistance and infantry mines on the Estonia-Russia border. According to him, this is a necessary step to strengthen Estonia’s defense capabilities. Kunnas has also criticized the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of infantry mines and has called on the Baltic states to withdraw from this treaty.

Number 9

Member of the European Parliament Urmas Paet

Urmas Paet has been the focus of Russian media attention due to his strong criticism of Russian politics and his active role in the European Union’s security and foreign policy. He most notably made headlines in Russian outlets with his statement that the European Parliament is a “Russian spy center.” According to Paet, there are about 100 members in the European Parliament who “dance to the Kremlin’s tune.”

Number 8

Commander of the Defence Forces Division Veiko-Vello Palm

Russian media extensively covered Palm’s concerns about the increased number of Russian-speaking soldiers in the Viru Battalion. Palm noted that this situation arose due to recruits being able to choose their service location, leading them to prefer serving close to home.

Additionally, Palm made a surprising statement for Russian media. In an interview with the New York Times, he said that many NATO countries’ armies are not prepared to fight against Russia. This Kremlin-pleasing statement was widely shared in Russian media.

Number 7

Ambassador Jüri Luik

Jüri Luik has been under the focus of Russian media due to his strong positions and active involvement as a NATO representative, emphasizing the need to strengthen defense cooperation and maintain readiness against potential threats. Luik has been actively supporting Ukraine and has called on NATO and other international organizations to take more radical steps to assist Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

According to Luik, one of the main problems for the Ukrainian armed forces is the size of the Russian armed forces, which makes Russia stronger than Ukraine. He compared Moscow and Kyiv to two boxers. “Currently, the situation is like both sides are two tired boxers,” said the Estonian diplomat in an interview.

Number 6

Commander of the Defence Forces Martin Herem

Russian media reported on Herem’s decision to leave his position in the summer of 2024, although his term was supposed to last until December 2025. Herem justified his departure by stating that current threat assessments indicate no aggression against Estonia in the next couple of years, making it a good time to appoint a new commander who can prepare the defense forces for potential future threats.

Additionally, Russian media covered Herem’s statements and actions related to Russia. For example, in April 2024, Herem threatened to attack Russian cities if Russia were to attack Estonia. The Defence Forces commander highlighted the readiness to destroy infrastructure in Ivanogorod and other Russian cities.

Russian media also reported Herem’s emphasis on the importance of a potential blockade of the Baltic Sea for Estonia’s security, calling for closer cooperation with Poland, Sweden, and Finland. According to Herem, such cooperation would make the placement of naval and air defenses in the region “unlikely for the aggressor.”

Herem was also mentioned as an expert who acknowledged the successes of the Russian armed forces. Specifically, he commented on the Russian Federation’s advancements in electronic warfare and artillery production.

Number 5

Minister of Interior Affairs Lauri Läänemets

In 2024, Russian media has repeatedly featured Lauri Läänemets in a negative context.

Russian authorities have declared Läänemets, along with other Estonian politicians and officials, wanted, accusing him of damaging and destroying Soviet-era monuments. This is part of a broader Russian campaign that has initiated criminal proceedings against politicians and officials in the Baltic and Eastern European countries involved in the relocation of Soviet monuments.

Läänemets’s comments and actions regarding the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church have provoked strong reactions in Russia. The minister proposed designating the Moscow Patriarchate as a terrorist organization. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called this proposal “insanity” and “absurd theater.” According to Läänemets, the aim of this move is to protect the religious freedom of Estonian residents and prevent aggressive propaganda that the Moscow Patriarchate is believed to spread.

Läänemets has also threatened to close parishes in Estonia that are subordinate to the Russian Orthodox Church if they do not sever their ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. This action has caused outrage and criticism among Russian officials, who argue that it threatens religious freedom and increases tensions between the two countries.

Despite these criticisms, Läänemets received some support from Kremlin media when he deemed the idea of revoking the voting rights of Russians and Belarusians in local elections as unreasonable and shortsighted.

Number 4

Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur

Hanno Pevkur has drawn the attention of Russian media for his strong support of enhancing NATO’s defensive capabilities and aiding Ukraine, while emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and fulfilling joint obligations.

Russian media exhibited some panic when the idea of creating a “defense line” for the Baltic states became public, which included Estonia’s plan to build 600 bunkers on the Russian border. According to Pevkur, the purpose of the defense line, especially the bunkers that the Baltic states are constructing on the borders with Russia and Belarus, is to hold out for two to three days until NATO allies arrive. Russian media, however, sarcastically claimed that the bunkers would be used for storing potatoes.

Pevkur has also been an active supporter of military aid to Ukraine. He announced that Estonia would provide Ukraine with the next military aid package worth 20 million euros, which includes air defense missiles and ammunition. According to Pevkur, the most crucial needs for Ukraine right now are ammunition, air defense systems, and electronic warfare tools. Estonia has also proposed increasing the number of Ukrainian defense personnel studying in the European Union to 100,000.

The Defence Minister believes that all Western countries should allow the Ukrainian armed forces to retaliate against the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian armed forces “should have every opportunity to defend themselves.”

Russian media also seized on Pevkur’s statement describing NATO as a “golf club,” highlighting the need to increase defense spending and membership fees to ensure stronger collective defense.

Number 3

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna

Margus Tsahkna has been active in supporting Ukraine and criticizing Russian policies, which has drawn attention and sharp reactions from Russian media.

Tsahkna accused the West of the fall of Avdiivka, citing insufficient military support for Ukraine. He emphasized that Ukraine needs more weapons and military aid to defend its territorial integrity.

Tsahkna has also stated that Ukraine is justified in defending itself against Russian aggression, including by attacking Russian territory, referencing genocide and the deportation of children committed by Russia against Ukraine. He called Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries “self-defense” and urged not to dramatize the developments.

A major controversy arose from Tsahkna’s statement following a terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called Estonia’s comment on the attack “the brink of madness” and suggested checking whether Tsahkna was using drugs.

A particular highlight was Georgia’s accusation against the foreign ministers of Iceland, Lithuania, and Estonia of aiding an “attempt to overthrow the government.” On May 15, Tsahkna, along with his Latvian, Lithuanian, and Icelandic colleagues, visited Georgia, where the government had adopted a law inspired by Russian legislation limiting civil society and critical media. The four foreign ministers met with politicians in Georgia and later held a joint press conference. They then joined protesters, with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis leading the group, and eventually took the stage to deliver speeches. Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said that such actions are not expected from EU foreign ministers.

Russian media also criticized Tsahkna’s announcement that Estonia would not participate in the inauguration ceremony for Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s new term as president. “Estonia cannot legitimize diplomatic relations with an aggressor state, and we decided not to attend Putin’s inauguration ceremony,” Tsahkna commented.

Number 2

President Alar Karis

President Alar Karis has stated that Estonia will do everything in its power to “bring Russia to its knees” before serious negotiations to resolve the Ukrainian conflict can begin. This comment received extensive coverage in Russian media and was interpreted as a deliberate provocation against Russia. There has also been speculation about the health of the Estonian president. Representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry and other officials have reacted strongly, urging the Estonian president to be more cautious with his words and labeling Karis’s remarks as provocative and unrealistic.

President Karis has described the Ukrainian crisis as a “defining moment for a generation” in Europe. He emphasized that European Union countries would be seen as weak if they do not show determination. “As history has shown, weakness does not lead to peace,” Karis added.

Russian media has also covered Karis’s stance on ending the use of the Russian language in Estonian schools. Karis has emphasized that the transition to the Estonian language is necessary and will provide equal opportunities for young people. This issue has received significant attention as it greatly affects Estonia’s Russian-speaking community. RIA Novosti described the process as inevitable but challenging, while other Russian media outlets have often presented the issue negatively, citing violations of international human rights agreements.

The Estonian president signed a bill to confiscate Russian assets. According to Regnum, the Estonian parliament passed a law on May 15 that allows for the seizure of frozen Russian assets to be transferred to the Kyiv regime. The Russian embassy in Tallinn emphasized that any takeover of Russian assets would be recognized as open theft and that Moscow would take retaliatory measures.

Karis has also addressed economic issues and the strengthening of Estonia’s national defense. He has stressed that despite the difficult relations with Russia, Estonia will continue its defense investments and prepare for possible threats. Russian media has portrayed this as Estonia inciting fear and war hysteria, suggesting that Estonia is trying to create tensions between NATO and Russia.

Number 1

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas received the most attention in Russian media during the first half of the year. Articles about her appear several times a week, mostly covering the activities of the Estonian government, NATO, and the EU, as well as potential career directions, but Kallas is also written about on various other topics.

Similar to Läänemets, Kaja Kallas is also wanted in Russia. Kallas called this Russia’s usual intimidation tactic, emphasizing that it would not stop Estonia from supporting Ukraine and strengthening European defense. This event was widely covered in Russian media, referencing the removal of Soviet monuments in Estonia, which prompted Russia to take this step. Despite this, the Estonian prime minister promises to continue dismantling Soviet monuments. However, Estonian officials are reportedly fearful that the prime minister could be extradited to Russia at any moment by any country.

Russian media reports that Kallas considers Russia a major risk for NATO. She stated that Europe and NATO must prepare for the threat posed by Russia in the next five years, noting that the Baltic states are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, Kallas announced that Estonia would stop funding Russian-language education and described the residents of the region as the “biggest complainers.” According to Russian media, most Estonians do not want Kaja Kallas as prime minister and are demanding her resignation. To describe Kaja’s and the Nazis’ methods in Estonia, it is added that “Russians and Belarusians are equated with prisoners.”

The prime minister has called on Western countries to confiscate frozen Russian assets and direct them to aid Ukraine. She believes this is a legitimate and necessary step. Additionally, she advocates for allowing all options, including sending troops to Ukraine, to assist Kyiv.

One of the most amusing reports about the prime minister involves a Russophobic claim that Kallas eats Russians for breakfast. This absurd claim originated from an anonymous source and spread quickly. Kallas humorously responded, explaining that her breakfast consists of muesli, yoghurt, and blueberries, not Russians.

Regnum writes dramatically about the future of the European Union, suggesting that if Prime Minister Kaja Kallas were nominated as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, it would mean that the “eternal victim” Kaja Kallas would continue to steer the EU towards confrontation with Russia.

These examples illustrate how the statements and actions of Kaja Kallas and other Estonians are cited by Russian media, particularly when they touch on sensitive issues for the Kremlin. Naturally, the thoughts of Estonians are often presented in a distorted and out-of-context manner to leave a negative impression of Estonia and its leaders for media consumers in the Russian Federation.