The Russian emblem disappeared from the gate of the Russian ambassador's former residence in Tallinn. Instead of the Russian flag, the Estonian flag now flies over the building.
This was reported by the country’s public broadcaster, ERR, according to Ukrinform.
"So far as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware, the Russian embassy had terminated its lease agreement on this space as of March 1, so consequently this property has been returned to the lessor. This means it no longer falls under the category of an ambassador's residence. Since there is no ambassador present, the Russian embassy did not consider it necessary to retain the property in its hands," the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Urmas Reinsalu said, commenting on the situation.
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He recalled that, according to the principle of parity, eight diplomats and 15 non-diplomatic staff remained in the Russian embassy.
Reinsalu added that he would not reconsider reducing Russia's diplomatic presence anytime soon.
In early February 2023, the ambassadors of Russia and Estonia returned to their respective capitals.
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The Russian Embassy in Estonia continues to use the embassy's premises in the historic part of Tallinn.
In addition, Russia rents separate premises for the social insurance department and several apartments for embassy staff. The residence of the Russian ambassador in Tallinn was located on Kose 27.
Photo: Priit Mürk/ERR
