Russia has sent a diplomatic note to Finland, demanding enhanced security measures at its embassy and temporarily banning demonstrations in the vicinity on election day.
The Finnish Foreign Ministry confirmed receiving notification that a polling station would be opened at the Russian Embassy for the State Duma elections. Moscow also requested additional security protocols around the polling station area. However, Finland has not yet announced whether it will implement a temporary ban on demonstrations at the Russian embassy.
On August 21, Maxim Ryder, Russia’s Ambassador-at-Large for Foreign Affairs, warned that the Baltic States, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands were most vulnerable to provocations ahead of the State Duma elections. He stated Ukrainian activists could hold actions at Russian diplomatic missions in these countries.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged Russians abroad not to succumb to provocation before election day, noting a high probability of extremist and protest activities by adversaries.
