Russia Sends Official Protest to Estonia Over 'Soviet Memorial' Demolition

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Estonia's envoy to Moscow, Marek Juhtegi, to protest the demolition of a Soviet memorial in the village of Jogeveste, Valga County, Estonia. This move by Russia is seen as a diplomatic response to Estonia's decision to demolish the memorial. Estonian authorities are being criticized for their continued attitude towards destroying Soviet monumental heritage. The memorial, which was erected over the mass grave of 795 Soviet soldiers and officers who died during the liberation of Estonia from Nazi occupation, was demolished. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the fate of the remains of the soldiers is unknown and that there is no information available in public sources about any possible exhumation or reburial. Zakharova condemned the actions of the Estonian authorities, stating that they have violated their obligations under international humanitarian law regarding the remains of deceased soldiers and military graves.