Russian citizens vote at Tallinn embassy as protests call elections illegal

Russian citizens voted at the Russian Embassy in Tallinn on Sunday as part of State Duma elections held abroad, ERR reported. Polling stations opened in 152 countries, including Estonia, with 333 stations operating worldwide.

Police checked and photographed the documents of everyone seeking to vote at the embassy entrance.

“The checks are very strict. Of course, we all understand the situation, but it is unpleasant,” said a Russian living in Estonia.

A small protest took place opposite the embassy. Participants called the elections illegal.

“When we were protesting here, several elderly Russian citizens came up to us and said that we were fascists and traitors, and that Ukrainians were fascists too,” protester Daniil said. “It is interesting to see how many very pro-Russian people still live in Estonia.”

Protesters said the elections offered no real choice. Those who voted, however, said they believed voters still had options and that taking part was important.

“I do not trust the results, but I think it is important not to lose the habit. I believe in some kind of better future. I do not want to say that I do not matter and that I do not need to vote. I want to preserve this habit,” Anna said after voting.

Nina said she knew which parties she did not want to support and voted accordingly.

“I do not like the direction the country is currently moving in, and it is causing me personal difficulties, so I did not vote for United Russia,” she said.

Many voters see the Communists as an alternative to the ruling United Russia party.