The BBC said Kallas has "a much higher and wider reach than any previous Estonian leader", saying the international exposure for a country of only 1 million people is "pretty incredible".

Asked about how this benefits Estonia, Kallas said it's hard to tell.

"But I guess that many people have realized that Estonia exists, which is a good thing because there was one writer who said "when nobody knows that you exist, then nobody really understands when you're gone". So that's why I think it is great that Estonia is on the map and that people know we exist," she told BBC News on Monday (July 3).

"Let's see how that works out for our country. I hope that everyone sees and understands that the situation [Russia's invasion of Ukraine] is very dangerous for our region."

Kallas has been regularly interviewed about defense, security, Russia, and Ukraine by the international media in the run-up to and after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Her increased international profile irritated members of the opposition parties and media who dubbed her a "war princess".

I spoke with the Prime minister of #Estonia @kajakallas today.

We spoke at length about #NATO and #Ukraine.

I also asked her about rumours she may be a potential candidate for the next Secretary General of Nato.@BBCNews pic.twitter.com/VJizhfZNcC

— Maryam Moshiri (@BBCMaryam) July 3, 2023

Kallas was also questioned by the BBC about becoming the next NATO general secretary.

She said the decision is not up to her, as it is not the type of job you submit an application for.

Previously, Kallas said she is unlikely to be a candidate as she is from NATO's eastern flank.

On Tuesday, after months of speculation, NATO announced it would extend current Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's term for another year.

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