ATHENS

Estonia’s prime minister has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next secretary general of NATO, local media reported Monday.

Kaja Kallas has secured the backing of the US, the UK, France and Germany to succeed Jens Stoltenberg, said the Estonian World online magazine.

It said Kallas was touted as a potential head of the alliance after her strong support for Ukraine and analytical statements on Russia made her stand out in the international media.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who appeared to be the favorite candidate until recently, was disqualified because of the Netherlands’ dismal record on defense spending, it added.