Imagine the US erecting a giant statue of an American GI "Liberator" in middle of Baghdad. The Soviet statue is about the moral equivalent - especially when you consider that Estonia is a Protestant, Finno-Ugric speaking nation that was invaded by the Soviets prior to any Nazis arriving.

Anyone who thinks Russia is justified in it's sensitivity is a fool. This is clearly being used for resurgent Russian nationalism.

Frederick S., Seattle, USA

There are not fascism in Estonia. Estonia are absolutely too small as a fascist. There are russian minority, part of that, who will be russian ziticens in hope, that russian occupation comes back to Estonia again. Tese peoples has a very big mouth. Masters and slaves, that's that. Its not too big job to learn about 200 words of estonish, if one will do that.

In Russia, trade has been and stays one wapen in politic. The same is with information, like we all knows.

Aprikoitselija, Finland,

To Frederick Davies:
Maybe the roots lie in 1710 when Denmark ceded Estonia to Russia, or in the 13 century when German knights founded the city of Revel-Tallinn (Kolyvan in old Russian)? Why is the history laid upon currently living men? Then you should be held accountable for what the British Empire did. All laws rightfully rejects collective punishment. Otherwise imagine what bill English folk would receive from Ireland say for the Potato Famine. According to current EU practices Russians in Estonia must have same rights as Estonians regardless of whether they speak Estonian or not. Denial on historical grounds those rights to a national minority already living in the country is a genocide according to the UN.

Alexander, Sheffield, UK

The Russians are emotional juveniles.
If Putin wants to be a 'serious' player within the G8 and with EU, he has to be more mature.

Instead, what to we have?
Russia antagonizing its neighbors: Ukraine, Georgia, ...

The world is too small a place (particularly Europe) to be bullied by a self-centered Mafioso.

Frederick C. Lee, Logan, UT

I don't think that this issue gains ever understanding. The Tallinn govermant could have done it late, for instance after anniversary may celebration in russia, but they moved monument just before. what happend after it was awfull too.

Alexa, Moscow, Russia

Since the statue honours Russian soldiers, Estonia should present the statue to Russia. Since the Russians claim that the statue honours their efforts in Estonia, they should then erect the statue at one of the gulags they exiled Estonian citizens to. Problem solved responsibility assigned.

Cynosarges, London, UK

Steve of Toronto says

"Europe is full of monuments. If this was statue of Stalin I would agree with removal but monument to dead soldiers. As a Canadian I would be offended if monuments to Canadians who died in WWII were to be removed."

What Steve fails to realise is that if those same soldiers had then deported one third of the population to prison labour camps in the Yukon, then the remaining people might think that they had been occupied, not liberated.

Cynosarges, London, UK

My last post I hope too for elec, Tallinn
I agree that young people near estonian embassy in Moscow were not right & don't support them. But we are free country, they don't break law, so why not to let them do it.
Members of our parliment were not right either.

U said: "Learn our language"
What about 35% of your country russian speaking population?They know your language but want speak Russian. Estonia is multinational & they are CITIZENS of it wethere you like it or not.
Search in Google: (Estonia: Every third person a potential victim of discrimination. Amnesty International press release.) And enjoy reading. May be you you'll understsnd why there is tension between Estonians & Russians.

U said: "respect us and we will respect you". For 15 years russian speaking Estonians respected U. What was result?
Right - bronze soldier removal. And U want respect again.

Alexander, Sheffield, UK , good words!

Kaka Malaka, N.Novgorod, Russia

Maybe Russians are offended but this is no reason to such violence, and that government's reaction. Russians pretend to be anti-fascist? well, well, look at what is happening in russia : strong political power, aggressive foreign policy, nationalism, near-reactionnary state of mind: it looks like a sort of neo-fascism to me...:
One more thing, Andrey from Russia,of course, in Normandy French would'nt do that, because, Americans did help us to be free and then ..went back home, after the war. Russians stayed more than 40 years in Estonia! and I doubt that Estonians were well treated... So i understand why they see the statue as a negative symbol!

mathine, Reims, France

"The root of the events is a discrimination of Russian minority in Estonia". No, the root of all this is the process by which the Soviet Union tried to dilute the Estonians under a wave of Russian immigration. Something like what the Chinese are doing in Tibet or Sadam Hussein did in Kirkuk.

Frederick Davies, Oxford, UK

I think, that destruction of historical monuments by whoever in whatever country, is definitely a vandal action. Similar events you described in Russia should be blamed just the same way. Moreover, after Soviet revolution in 1917 – Russians themselves destroyed all the “unwanted” monuments of their own culture – but then after the collapse of Soviet regime they destroyed the ones, that have been erected on their places and brought the old ones back – both times it was awfully painful for the nation. That is all true. But will you, please, explain to me how the mistakes of Russian negligent policy towards its own cultural heritage justify recent actions of Estonian authorities? Come on, stop fighting monuments – it’s childish – let us better fight fascism!

Musaelyan Camilla, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

Regardless of the rights or wrongs of moving a statue, the move was legal, sancationed, and uttlerly and only the business of the Estonians. The Russians should mind their own business and act like civilised human beings. After all, they are no longer a nation who butchers millions because they don't like their class, name, ethnicity, relgion, policits....

L Goddard, London, Great Britain

Dear elec,
I think, that destruction of historical monuments by whoever in whatever country, is definitely a vandal action. Similar events you described in Russia should be blamed just the same way. Moreover, after Soviet revolution in 1917 – Russians themselves destroyed all the “unwanted” monuments of their own culture – but then after the collapse of Soviet regime they destroyed the ones, that have been erected on their places and brought the old ones back – both times it was awfully painful for the nation. That is all true. But will you, please, explain to me how the mistakes of Russian negligent policy towards its own cultural heritage justify recent actions of Estonian authorities? Come on, stop fighting monuments – it’s childish – let us better fight fascism!

Musaelyan Camilla, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

My last post I hope. to answer Kaka Malaka, N.Novgorod, Russia.
I have not said that estonia is for estonians. Learn our language, respect our laws and way of life and you are welcome.
So drop this fascism topic, seems to me that you are blinded with it and whenever you disagree with something its very convinient to call others fascists.
As I said, respect us and we will respect you. respect our state. right now you are interfairing with things that are our local matters. You ask that "And please explain in what your rights Russia nterferes." Well, shall we start with the ppl surrounding the estonian embassy.. ? Or what about your parliment that was here to visit us and *demanded* from the start up that Ansip should step down and goverment should step down. Bullied us.

elec, Tallinn,

russia needs to learn a lesson.. melt the bronze soldier down and cremate the remains of the soviet dead.

Daniel Robson, Melbourne, Australia

The root of the events is a discrimination of Russian minority in Estonia. The monument transfer was simply the last drop in a raw of insults Estonia spilt on a large part of its population. Many went unnoticed by the folk in Russia, but this time Estonians went too far, touching the war memories of the greater Russia population. To think that what happened was orchestrated by Kremlin is an awful mistake. The Kremlin will do everything to protect oil-gas business of which Estonia is a part and instead of real actions would much prefer hollow threats and loud dances around the Estonian embassy. EU should address the roots and press Estonia follow EU standards on minorities. If EU sides with Estonia it will create huge problems in the EU-Russia relations regardless of who is in charge in Moscow. Kremlin simply cannot ignore the problem of Russian in Estonia anymore, since Estonians managed to unite discrimination of Russians with the sacred memories of war in Russia.

Alexander, Sheffield, UK

Do not for get, that just some years ago, Estonians raised a statue for the SS man who worked for the Nazi-Germany;
so if in some park in the central of the capital can stand a statue for the Estonian SS man, how come that the statue over those who fell the Nazi-power in Europe got to be moved into the shadows?
Is this not the signs of where our EU and is bureaucracy is heating to ?

Amirouche Roos, Lindas, Sweden

Fascinating emotions can be aroused around monuments; we have seen the same here in Southern Africa, after the governments became black, instead of white. A good example is one of the "Energy" statues, erected maybe 100 years ago in Salisbury, as a monument to Rhodes (the other two are in Capetown, and London). Soon after independence, seeing it would no longer be respected, a South African university wisely offered to give Harare University a large computer, in exchange for the Rhodesian statue; an offer which was accepted (at least, I hope it was, because it would have been converted to scrap metal by now, if it is still there in modern Zimbabwe). The statue would indeed have been well worth a computer; and face was saved on both sides. Maybe a rich Russian should offer something of value to Estonia in exchange for the war monument, and take it to Russia (or even to England; Abramovich, where are you?)

H. Grattan, Johannesburg, South Africa

elec, Tallinn
I'm sorry, who is occupying your country NOW? Ethnical russians-Estonian citizens? Major part of those yongsters in Tallin streets were born in already undependent country!
You want to live rightfully in your country and to be respected. Only estonians must be respected and others not?
Or may be you wanna say that Estonia - only for estonians? Smells like fascism!
Now about Russia. I leave in free country & we have freedom of speech. If you can say that Russia behaves badly, why I cannot say what I think about Estonia?
And please explain in what your rights Russia nterferes.

Kaka Malaka, N.Novgorod, Russia

Kaka Malaka, from Russia, stated that: "I live in my country & I want just respect!"

Funny thing. That what we estonians want too. To live rightfully in our country and to be respected.
Somehow russia denies that for us. So how can we respect you when you interfere with our rights to decide in our country.

Belive me, we respect the ones in red army that died for us and to clean the world from nacis. But you should have return to home after that. Not to stay and occupy us.

and.. "Why don't U translate comments below that article?"

Mainly because there are so many of them. And many from aggrovated people. That would serve no real purpouse. But most of the comments seem to agree that there ise clearly a problem with our educational system that has allowed this to happen and that we lack brave enough politician who would really have the guts to reform the russian schools as they should have been reformed long ago.

elec, Tallinn,

The hysteria shown by the Russians in this case is astonishing. The truculence, lack of any desire to understand the Estonians' point of view and the utter lack of a proportionate response to the relocation of the monument shows the Russian President and government in a very bad light: they are both dominated by an aggressive, domineering and revengeful spirit. It is particularly sad to see Alexei II, the Russian Patriarch, falling in line with this spirit, but the Russian Church is in total thrall to the State anyway, so one should perhaps not be shocked. The fundamental problem is that there has never been a reckoning with Russia's Stalinist past: no Nuremburg-style trial of the organisers and operators of Russia's countless Auschwitzs and Belsens, no apology to the world for the monstrous and devilish ideology foisted onto it by the Soviet criminals, no cleaning of the nation's soul. Until Russians can face this task, expect more of the same.

Benedict Carter, Moscow, Russia

Musaelyan Camilla,

please, tell me what do you think of the following:

Do you know that in Himki, Russia, a similar statue to the one that was relocated in Estonia was demolished not long ago ?
And that there are monuments of war, in russia, that are being demolished and destroyed by authorities practically every month? To make room for shopping centers and so on. Or because "public womens" gather around there.

And when soviets conquered Estonia, *most* of our monuments were destroyed, razed to the ground and mutilated. With no respect.

Some monuments were saved by brave estonians who hided them from soviets.

And now we relocate *one* statue in par with international laws and with respect to a more suitable place. And suddenly that is a problem and major crime against humanity.

How is that possible, please elaborate. I really want to know.

elec, Tallinn,

2 elec, Tallinn
Why don't U translate comments below that article?
Or your viewpoint is the only right?
People have their brains and really do analyze the situation & information.
One advice: try not to speak on behalf of all country.

Kaka Malaka, N.Novgorod, Russia

I am not Russian …
More than sixty years ago, my grandfather fought for Estonian people against Natsi. Yes, it was the Red Army he belonged to, - but historically he had no choice! Yet those who only heard or read about “the nightmares of Soviet regime” will hardly ever understand. Anyway, what makes me so proud of him today is that: HE FOUGHT AGIANST FASCISM! Ironically, he fought in the army of one monstrous regime against another monster! Formally, we are a democratic society today and there is no Soviet Union anymore – nevertheless, fascism still flourishes all over the world (in Russia as well!). But the monument which is in fact named “To the warrior-liberator” (not to the Red Army!) is a token of respect and gratitude to quite real heroes who sacrificed their lives for freedom from most dangerous philosophy. All I could say: moving “The warrior-liberator” is a capital offence to all those who until today fight against fascism in its contemporary forms - diverse and original.

Musaelyan Camilla, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

as long as this monument stands on estonian ground, no one else than the estonian goverment sholud have the right to decide about it. it is a symbol of 60 years of communist rule wich has caused a lot of pain deep into the hearts of the estonian people. i have relatives from estonia, and therefore i know. Estonia got my support, and by many others around Sweden and Europe.

Carl Janson, Stockholm, Sweden

About russian propaganda in Estonia and elsewhere.
Today there were news in local media. I will translate a part of it:
A letter from educational ministry Tõnis Lukas was sent to schools all over Estonia that was about Estonian history and bronze soldier. In Ehte college this made pupils to laugh out loud. According to one female pupil, "over half of the story, written to us was weird if not to say false. Our understanding and knowledge of history is nothing like Lukas wrote. We know another kind of history!?", she said.
Now this is in local Estonian school where pupils are brainwashed by russians. What are the chances that people in russia know the right history or other people elswhere in the world?
So before condemning estonians, please look into it and listen to both side. And that goes specially for russians. Please try to think for yourselves for once. And try to analyze the situation, information. And try to understand that soviet era historybooks etc are not trustworthy

elec, Tallinn,

Its easy to fall under the propaganda of russia when you have not been living in Estonia. I am deeply sorry for those of you.
Many of you oppose to the movement of monument. many non russians. I am amazed actually by that. And sad.
This monument was lately used by russians to insult native estonians. To gather there and shout insults and threats to estonia and estonians.
Without that, nobody would have cared if that statue would stay there for a hundred or thousand years more. After all its part of a history. Bitter, yes, but still history. We, estonians are very calm people (alot of jokes are from that by russians) But that kind of provocation aggravated (rightfully) some of our people and the situation escalated.
So the only right thing was to move the statue to a more suitable place and rebury those who are buried there.
And we tried to make this in civilazed way but rioting russians forced us to speed up the process and remove the statue by night.

elec, Tallinn,

Moscow behaving like the civilized nation?

What nation in this planet (other than the Vatican),is civilized?

Maybe Russians and Estonians can do business the
AMERICAN WAY.

and that would be going after orphans and widows,
just like the cankered gold does (american government = AG) DOES!!! - did i miss the C :)

the reality is that the Bismarck destroyed the Hook.

If Russia doesnt step on WW2 all of Europe had been
conquered by the Nazis.

But hey, ungratitude is a bad sin.

A statue meant nothing for the Estonian government
to be moving a statue. Unless of course they want it to
provoke Russia.

Sorry but i support Russia fully and The Vatican too.
While you love Jesus and America too :) - Tom Petty

cheers
Blessed is the one that comes in the Name of The Lord

fabian cabrera pimentel, madrid, spain

For rjukka, stockholm, finland
For tom, Sydney, Australia
For others/
I'm sorry. I'm 40.
'm sorry, I'm RUSSIAN!
I've never been to Estonia.
I've never been to Latvia.
I've never been to Lithhuania.
I've never been to Poland.
What do you want from ME?
Repentance in in sins which I did not make?
I live in my country & I want just respect!

Kaka Malaka, Russia,

To Glib Mishkin of Boston, you've left out the Finns in your example; Bear pokers of the highest order. The Estonians should continue to poke away and give no ground at all. They endured far greater hardship under the Soviets without any support or help from the international community for 50+ years! Realistically, how bad can the Russians make it for them now without hurting their own interests too?

Thomas, Boston, USA / Massachusetts

Edward,

I do not believe that French occupied the USA after the war. So in whatever way we look at it, Estonians can't look at Russia as an ally.

But it is not about that. Whether it was right or wrong, the government dealt with an internal problem, which may have caused even more problems. It is none of Moscow's business. The local Russians don't even particularly condone their actions..

Jaanika, Oxford, UK

Jay

The Soviet Army fighting the Nazi's between 1941 and 1945 (not forgetting it was the same Soviet Union that was an ally of Hitlers under the "Pact of Steel" until operation Barbarossa) was comprised of people from all the Soviet ASSRs, which includes Estonia. It was not just a "Russian" army.

Peter, London, UK

To: Andrey Kuzman in Novosibirsk:

You wrote:

"How would you feel Amercans if French would move the graves of dead soldiers in Normandy, for instance? "

I write:

" I would not be in the least surprised."

Saladin, Greenwich,

It is strange that Russians all over the world have totally different "facts" on history than all the eastern-european nations. I mean all three Baltic states, Poland, Hungary are just few of examples. Considering that Russian communists have done even to their own people, no wonder they to their cling so desperately to the history learned from soviet time history books and ionize their war memorials and "love of all nations". Would they let Mongols erect the statue of Genghis Khan, Mongols hero, on the Red Square of Moscow?

Urmo, Tallinn, Estonia

Russia has to learn to keep its cool in situations like these. Belligerence reveals immaturity. How many situations do we need to prove that if you displease Russia, your oil/gas gets cut off?

In addition, it is puzzling why the removal of soldiers' remains, and their subsequent loss and disarray at Khimki, on the outskirts of Moscow as reported by the Moscow Times yesterday, has not aroused similar condemnation. I watched the head of the Russian Orthodox Church making strong statements about the movement of the dead being sinful etc, etc, last night on Russia Today TV. No mention was made about Khimki.

Alice, Moscow,

You know what is a disgrace? A disgrace is the fact that the Russian minority has been living in Estonia since it gained independence, and might I add - quite peacefully; and still they find something to nag about. Estonians may not like them but they accept the Russians nevertheless, even though their nation has created more pain and suffering to that country than anyone before. Do you not see that the monument in question is a distinct reminder of all the horror that this nation has experienced? It is not a disgraceful act; it is merely an attempt to move on and try to forget the horrid past. You say one should appreciate the tremendous sacrifice of the Russians? I say: how about paying respect to a country and its people (all the countries of Eastern Block for that matter) who had the strength to abide 50 years of Russian occupation?

Tuuli, Tallinn, Estonia

There are only two issues here. Firstly Estonia is within the EU, and therefore any embargo must countered. Secondly Estonia is a member of NATO, any pressure must be countered.

On the flip side, if Moscow wants to act like the civilised, then we can discuss issues.

Richard, Ireland,

Just to clear things up-- the so called nazi (it was actually ment to remember the estonian men taht were forced to fight on the wrong side, but this is not the issue now) monument was erected by the small group of narrow minded idiots and was removed by the Estonian authorities shortly after that. One of the initiators of the nazi statue was held in prison for anti-estonian activities several years before that.. So i hope you understand that heroising the nazis is not accepted in Estonia in no way. Of course- very little number of extremists can do very much damage to the state.. As an estonian i'm very sorry that this statue was ever erected, but it for sure was no work of Estonian government nor normal estonians. And as said, the nazi statue was removed permanently, the bronze soldier was only taken 2km to the south..
And to the russians-- please accept and respect our little state and we respect and accept you.. Peace!

Sven, Tallinn, Estonia

Estonians see the statue as simbol of SSSR opression and tirany, while russians(who were favorized nation in SSSR, much the same as Serbians in former yugoslavia) perceive it as a simbol of victory over nacism.....actually it is both....communist block did win ww2, allied with west, but also they layed heavy hand on countries and nations under their influence......blurring historical events and using them as a cause is always useful to cover up real intentions of great powers......small nations like estonia are always victims, EU will not help as long it is dependent on russia's energy....

Marko, zagreb, croatia

Estonian government acted in extremely incompetent fashion perusing their purely political gains. Although there is no justification in Russia’s behavior also, such a reaction was largely expected if not anticipated.

Angry reaction of many Russians in Estonia was also very predictable as majority of Russians in Estonia feel they are ill-treated in the country they were born in and are expected to accept responsibility for actions of USSR for which they bear no moral liability being victims of the history themselves, together with Estonians.

Marek, London, UK

I am annoyed but not surprised by the naivity of the Canadian comment. It is very easy to demand "respect and appreciation" of Estonians for the contribution of Russia when you haven't experienced 50 years Russian occupation.

Ciarán, London,

Sure the Russians have over reacted but lets not forget the cause of the problem. How would the Americans feel if the French, considered an ally, decided to remove a statue to Americans who died liberating them in the Second World War? In 2003 when France refused to support them over the illfounded invasion of Iraq, let alone moving any statues, they went so far as to rename French fries Freedom Fries and some people in the US even advocated a ban on French wine. So really the Russians are no different to anyone else.

Edward, London,

Were the Red Army troops liberating the Baltic States from the Germans or merely re-conquering lost territory? Do not forget that the Soviet Union invaded Estonia at the start of the war in 1939, and after "liberation" neatly incorporated it into the Soviet Union.
Don't get me wrong, many brave Soviet lives were lost to rid the world of Nazism, but you must understand that the Statue could easily be seen as a symbol of Soviet occupation and oppression.

Danny, Manchester, England,

Integration is simply not on agenda of the government. With Russian surname - very hard to get by in the society like that, mind you it is fourth of the population we are talking about here. And there has never been any riots!
In the last few years things seems to have calmed down, people were learning to live together, why start it all over again? Why this propaganda? I can already hear the answer - russians are occupants - old tale. How can a baby born in the country be it's occupant not citizen? We are living in the 21 century now.
Anyway unfortunately it was far too early for the country ruled by this principals to be accepted into the civilised democratic world of Europe. Since Communism and Fashizm they have changed their slogans but not the ways of doing things.

Natalie, LONDON, uk

I'm Estonian and I can assure you that we did not have any problems with the statue up until a few years ago. Yes, it was standing there and yes war veterans were bringing flowers and drinking vodka and singing there about twice a year. we didn't like it, but looked the other way.

however, unfortunately it became a problem recently - more and more Russian extremist nationalists started gathering there, singing Soviet Union anthem, waving the Soviet flag and posters that "masters have returned" , telling Estonian people that we should be lucky they (the Russians) are allowing us to speak Estonian at all. as, of course, some Estonian nationalists didn't like it much, it porvoked several conflicts, which is also the reason the statue was moved from the very centre to a place where it is less likely to cause any further issues between Estonians and Russians.

Calling us Nazis because of that? Sorry, I cannot see how this is justified.

Kati, Tallinn,

Russians might be proud of their contribution during World War II but they should be ashamed of their conduct after it. Moscow inflicted more than 45 years of occupation on the Baltic States (how do you think all those Russians got to Tallinn in the first place) and it should not be interfering in what is an internal matter for the Estonian people

Craig, Liverpool, UK

Estonia is not in Nazi state of mind. Estonia did not erecte a monument but transferred it from a bus-stop to the cemetery as a peaceful resting place. Estonians cannot tolerate any more that Russia is giving orders from Moscow on how we have to live. And by the way: we are an EU country. Yesterday Finland got "an order" from Moscow to "strongly re-consider their future plans in possible joining of NATO. Would you Peter like to live by orders from Moscow? I do not think so! And Europe is supporting us in case you do not know it. You should also read the news from other sites than russian ones. To remind you, Peter, Estonia remained in the USSR zone after WW II. It was not the wish of Estonian people. What worries me in the first comment is that it is word to word similar to last week rhetorics coming from Moscow, especially the part of "putting the monument back to its original place". The same are demanding the pro-Putin youth demonstrants during blocking our embassy.

Liisa Trull, Tallinn, ESTONIA

Dear All

I am from a mixed background Estonian and Russian and I was born and lived in Estonia (which i love). I think the removal of monument exposes deep issues that Estonian government has with Russian people. I have respect for both cultures and i think both should learn to live side by side. I think a country that does not respect past has no future. I think that violence broke out in Tallinn because Russian people in Estonia are sick of insults and humiliation and removal of monument was a symbolical slap across the face. How would you like to have an alien passport ? and constantly face humiliation in a country where you were born. I think people should learn from mistakes of the past (Nazi) and never repeat them again (Estonia allowing Nazi groups to prosper). Estonia is such a beautiful country , with picturesque capital Tallinn , but such stupid attitude. Estonia should get over the past and move into future. My grand grand father was in jail when russian people occupied

Zlata , sydney, australia

Andrey Kuzmin, the graves haven't been moved, the monument has been moved to a cemetary full of war dead. Unfortunately, this just goes to show that we cannot trust Russia with gas and oil supplies, because as soon as we became reliant upon them they would be cut off.

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

I wish at least one foreign newspaper foreign would try to independently look into the facts, both of present and history. The amount of confusion among the readers is quite disturbing.

There are people who claim that there is discrimination against "ethnic" Russians in Estonia. Please, some examples?! With both parents Russian-speaking and being 3/4 Russian I guess I am as ethnically Russian as any other. I have not experiences ANY discrimination. If a requirement for a job is to speak the official language of the country the person who doesn't will lose out just the same as a person not knowing excel when required will lose out.

Estonians being fascists? As someone mentioned, there was no fighting against Nazism on Estonian soil. What happened in Tallinn was wrong, but not because of "fascism" in Estonia nor discrimination. Actions in Russia are probably simply results of local political ambition Estonia however has the right to move its statues if they cause problems.

Jaanika, Oxford, UK

Quite clearly, Estonian Government has acted in a very incompetent and cowardly manner with a single aim of a political gain. Although there is no excuse for behavior of Russian extremists within and outside of Estonia, such a reaction was largely anticipated if not hoped for.

Many Russians who supposedly colonised Estonia were moved there by force and are victims of the Soviet system together with Estonians.

Jaan, London, UK

i don't think that the relatives of american soldiers would prefer that their loved ones will rest under the bus stop and under the feet of drunken russians.
now the remains of soviet soldiers in Tallinn will be removed to the cemetery with all the respect. what's wrong with that?
I am still waiting for the apologies of the government of Russian Federation who iniciated the smashing of our beautiful old town by drunken teenagers and criminals. Unfortunately I'm sure that I'm waiting in vane. They haven't yet apologized for all the crimes that Soviets had caused to my people during last 50 years of Soviet occupation.

Mari, Tallinn, Estonia

Russian attacked to Finland and started a war, about 60 years ago.
My father lost his hearing.
I am a vomposer:
what do you think i am thinking of RUSSia and russian?

Finland to NATO!

rjukka, stockholm, finland

The Russians treated the baltic states shamefully before their independance and now they expect gratitude? Russia is playing a dangerous game.

tom, Sydney, Australia

To say that Russia is in Stalinist state of mind is extremely narrow-minded and provocative. One can just as easily claim that Estonia is in Nazi state of mind. The people need to know that not so long ago Estonia erected a monument for their collaborators with Nazis and now they got rid of a monument for WWII heroes. I can not imagine any other country in the world to do that! Here in the UK and in the rest of Europe we give honour and respect to heroes of the war with Nazism. Any Nazi symbolic in public is still a strict taboo and so it should be. In my opinion the action of installing a monument to a Nazi soldier and removing the WWII monument by Estonia should be provocative to the whole world, not just to Russia.

Peter, London, UK

The response by the British press to attacks on two ambassadors from EU countries by a mob have been pretty low-key. Imagine how Britain would feel if its Moscow Ambassador had nearly been physically attacked or his/her car damaged. Then it'd be front-page news. The "Sun" would be in "Gotcha!" mood. But who cares about an Estonian and a Swede...

Tony Halpin, however, covers the main points here well. I cannot understand why Russia needs to permanently bully its neighbours. Russia has lots to sell that Europe wants to buy. But every time, this proud and lumbering giant of a nation shoots itself in the foot diplomatically and economically.

The Bronze Soldier is merely an excuse for Russia to carry on in traditional imperialist fashion. Russia has yet to learn how to become a postcolonial ex-metropolitan state (in the colonial sense), like Britain is nowadays.

Can't Russia learn to become European? I wish it would hurry up and do so. Then we could like it again.

Eric, Blaricum, Netherlands

Europe is full of monuments. If this was statue of Stalin I would agree with removal but monument to dead soldiers. As a Canadian I would be offended if monuments to Canadians who died in WWII were to be removed.

Steve, Toronto, Canada

Also, it has been mentioned in previous comments regarding this topic that US has several statues of Confederation leaders and they are not removing them, cause it's history.

well can you imagine that Ku Klux Klan members started rallying around there, chanting that slavery is great and that black people should be lucky that whites let them be free. I can't really imagine that you could simply shrug it off..

Kati, Tallinn,

In reponse to Jay Vancouver:
"Disgraceful act?", "Respect and appreciation for the tremendous sacrifice and contribution of the Russians?" First of all, the Russian 'contribution' to the war started already in 1939 when alongside and together with Nazi Germany it attacked Poland (the attack being coordinated with Nazi Germany), soon after that enslaving the Baltic Republics. The only reason why it later fought so bravely against Germany was because it was forced to do so when attacked by Hitler who broke their cooperation and allience.
The Russian sacrifice involved taking over the countries occupied by Nazi Germany in the course of the war and enslaving them for alomost 50 years. Estonia and other countries seized to exist and were denied their independence. As the Red Army was 'freeing' countries such as Estonia it took a brutal revange on the people for actually daring to be independent from the empire between the two World Wars.
Now Estonians have every right to do what they did.

Victor, Bristol, United Kingdom

Alex, When Red Army arrived to Tallinn, there were none Germans left, but legal Estonian Goverment only. No gunshot needed to "liberate" Tallinn. So there cant be heroes of the battle, as there were no battle at all.
Tes, there might be heroes in red army too, but for estonia there is no difference - Nazi Army or Red Army. And after war Soviet Union killed more people in Estonia, then in wartime. So for Estonia Hitler was bad, but Stalin was the worst.
Statue isnt exploded or something, but removed to the military graveyard, where it belongs, not the bus startion centre of city.

Hannes, Tallinn, Estonia

Re: Darek, Kraakow, Poland
Let's not forget we are living in the 21Century now.
Also two wrongs don't do wright.

Talking about treatment of "minority" that was born in the country.

Natalie, London, UK

Integration is not on agenda of the goverment. With Russian surname - very hard to get by in the society like that, mind you it is fourth of the population we are talking about here. And there has never been any riots!
In the last few years things seems to have calmed down, people were learning to live together, why start it all over again? Why this propaganda? I can already hear the answer - russians are occupants - old tale. How can a baby born in the country be it's occupant not citizen? We are living in the 21 century now.
Anyway unfortunately it was far too early for the country ruled by this principals to be accepted into the civilised democratic world of Europe. Since Communism and Fascism they have changed their slogans but not the ways of doing things.

Natalie, London, UK

Situation in Estonia it is very sad. It is of course well known fact that Estonia was on the side of Nazi Germany and also had concentration camp there (As did Latvia ). And apparently not long ago they were trying to erect monument to Nazis - not to the people who died fighting in the World War II (no matter sides) but actually Nazis, featuring a man in SS uniform with a gun pointed towards Russia. And now removing Monument just before the World wide celebrated Liberation day. Pretending they just doing exhumation there (who needs it anyway). There are decent ways of transfering monuments too. Also they did put it somewhere away from sight on the remote cemetery, this is not the point but how the government was planning to sabotage, carefully and artifnd artificially created situation and the hype of hysteria. Of course vandalism is awful ruining shops etc but so is washing monuments with paint (referring to another vandalised one in Tallinn here) nobody seems to be noticing this.

Natalie, London,

Pure lies! Russia did't cut off oil. Pipes function. Reconstruction of railroads was annonced 2 months ago. Estonia behaves as if it didn't know that.

Kaka Malaka, N.Novgorod, Russia

Some say about this incident with the monument in Estonia that Russia is in Stalinist state of mind. One can just as easily claim that Estonia is in Nazi state of mind. The people need to know that not so long ago Estonia erected a monument for their collaborators with Nazis and now they got rid of a monument for WWII heroes. I can not imagine any other country in the world to do that! Here in the UK and in the rest of Europe we give honour and respect to heroes of the war with Nazism. Any Nazi symbolic in public is still a strict taboo and so it should be. In my opinion the action of installing a monument to a Nazi soldier and removing the WWII monument by Estonia should be provocative to the whole world, not just to Russia. Instead of fuelling the row against Russia, Europe should have told Estonia to revere the WWII heroes and reinstall the monument back to its original place.

Peter, London, UK

Unfortunately a lot of people outside Estonia do not know what exactly has happened there during the last 76 years.
It means that people do not understand what was the meaning of Bronze Soldier. Actually it was a statue in honor of Soviet occupation in Estonia. Every year communists, who were still hoping to destroy Estonian state, held meetings against Estonian state there, waving red flags etc. Last year, during the soviet holiday on 9th of May it culminated with the meeting where extremely aggressive communists chanted against the Estonian state, promised to send estonians to Siberia again, expressed regret for the fact, that "so few Estonians were killed during the Soviet regime". That's why we couldn't accept the statute in the middle of our capital.

But anyway - this is not the main question. The main problem is that all the latest events are evidently conducted from Moscow and are clearly directed to the restoration of Soviet regime in Estonia.

Anu, Tallinn,

the monument was NOT demolished or removed and cut to pieces, as Russian media tried to tell people. It has simply been moved to the war cemetery, where it should be and all Russians are free to go and take flowers there to remember the dead.

the people crying about the moving of WWII statue in Estonia should direct their attention to Russia, where several memorials were recently removed to build new roads and department stores and remains of soldiers simple dug up with excavators - not identified and re-buried in the cemetery as they will be in Estonia.

ulla, Stockholm,

Russian attacked to Finland and started a war, about 60 years ago.
My father lost his hearing.
I am a composer and my father never could heatr my music:
what do you think i am thinking of RUSSia and russian?

Finland to NATO!

rjukka, stockholm, finland

The titles such as “A symbol of heroic sacrifice - or one of mass murder?” are obviously selling titles. But it is shameful to undermine the value of heroic sacrifice in World War II. How can one make such an insensitive comparison between heroism of WWII and mass murder? The World War II monuments are supposed to be sacred and the Russians are absolutely right in being outraged with Estonian actions. If it was a monument to Lenin or Stalin then clearly Estonia would have been right to remove it due to links with occupation and mass murder. Most of those monuments were removed in Russia too. Russian people have suffered from the Communist regime as well and their losses to the Communist regime have been accounted to greater number than loses in WWII. Estonia should not have sparked this incident over the WWII monument. They should not have confused those two, the Communism oppression and heroes of World War II.

Peter, London, UK

Dear "civilized" Europeans and Americans who defend Estonia.
I am not a bit stalinist nor communist, I respect the sovereignity of Estonia, and I understand the hate of many towards communist occupation of European states. Still, as one of millions of Russians who's relatives died for the sake of liberating the world of Nazi plaque (not occupation) I cannot accept what has been done to the graves of perished, how it has been done (by night as thieves) and what has been said about these people, who were not occupiers even just because they had died before it happened.

How would you feel Amercans if French would move the graves of dead soldiers in Normandy, for instance?

Please sort out the regime and Russian(=Soviet ath the time) people who gave more than 20 million lives to save Europe and the world, these are different notions. I mourn my humiliated compatriots and really cannot understand estonian supporters, are you blind and numb or just double faced???

Andrey Kuzmin, Novosibirsk, Russia

Funny thing about that is that it is Russia´s own export market that will suffer from it. They are punishing their own oil businesses with it, as through Estonia the oil transit to other European countries takes place. I think it would be only fair if Estonia raised the transit fees for Russia as a response.

Merlin, Tallinn,

This only confirms Europe' worst fears, that Russia is sliding back into a heavy-handed 'our-way' or the highway and tit-for-tat childlike mentality. As incredible as it may seem, Russians actually believe that this approach to solving international situations is acceptable.

Good luck Europe, tou are going to need it.

Carol, Jakarta, Indonesia

If you happen to live next to a bear's den, it is wise not to provoke the bear. Estonian politicians, on the contrary, seem to believe that by poking the bear with sticks and throwing stones at it, they will gain stature and support from Europe. Not very smart, and not very mature. The issue is not whether the bear is nice and cuddly -- it is obviously not. But when this fact has been established, what can a reasonable person do, to co-exist with the bear... and even benefit from it... Look at Finland's example, Mr. Ansip, before you ran to the EU daddy, asking to protect you from the big bad bear.

Glib Mishkin, Boston, MA

Will somebody please explain to the Russian youth movement Nashi what a Nazi and fascist movement actually was and ask them what the difference is between their nationalistic provocations and that of the Hitler youth movement. The word Nashi means "OURS" and as a state sponsored youth organisation in a country without effective democracy or freedom of the press, it is worrying how the same state sponsored development in Germany in the 30's led to disaster for all of Europe. Europe and the EU must make a strong stand before it is too late!!

Martin Dungay, Tallinn,

Well Estonia is i the EU and Russia is not. The EU has a duty and responsibility to protect member states. There should be a boycott against this completely unacceptable behavior on Russia's side. This is shady politics at its worst and should result in negative consequences. If Putin wants to continue his move towards becoming a rogue state and an international pariah, then the US should isolate him.

Alex, San FRancisco, United State, CA

i am agree with estonians
the russians are horribly like usual in the latest 50 years !
" a lover of freedom "

dorin, bucharest, romania

It looks like a last moment to stop Estonian fascism against Russian minority in Estonia. It seems that fascism was not defeated in Europe in last century and that it is coming back in its raw form. All of the pro-Hitlers nations from WW2 are back on track: Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Hungary. Treatment of minorities in these countries is at the same level as during Nazi occupation. Russia is back, hide if you can.

Zilot, Beograd, Srbija

Sounds like the Russian Federation is back-sliding more and more into authoritarianism both at home and abroad. While its a shame that tensions exist between ethnic Estonians and ethnic Russians living in Estonia, I have to say that if I were Estonian I would want that statue out of the middle of my capital as well. That the Russian Federation would allow this escalation to take place over the relocation of a statue is unconscionable.

It will be interesting to see if the EU has the spine to stand behind one of its own members in the face of the newly-aggressive provider of so much of its energy.

Steve, San Jose, USA

Re above- An atypical North American slant on things

Antony john Graham, southport,

The Russian-speaking population was brought to Estonia during the Soviet occupation to colonize Estonia. When Estonia became free they were given the option to stay in Estonia instead of returning to their home country. Those who wanted Estonian citizenship qualified by learning Estonian. Those who did not want to learn Estonian, of course, remained Russian Federation citizens as the successor state to the Soviet Union. Being deprived of citizenship and political rights is as bogus a claim as that the Soviet army monument was demolished. Its appropriate place is in the national military cemetery where it now stands.

Liidia, New York, U.S.A.

During the last year the statue has been used more and more as a tool by Russian government for generating hatred between Estonians and Russians. The organizers of the violence had several appointments with Russian embassy before it all started and the statements used in information war show clearly that it was directed from the east. The local Russians are constantly fed with the hope that USSR will be resurrected one day and that's why they don't think from themselves as Estonians.

Martin, Tallinn, Estonia

Alex, it may be true what you write about Estonian behaviour (although I doubt it) but please do not forget that lies at the root of the problem. Occupation, atrocities and russification.

Darek, Krakow, Poland

It's a monument for the Second World War. The Russians are justifiably proud of their contribution. Why remove it unless you really want to humiliate them. It’s a disgrace that the Estonians started this mess. The EU should have told Estonia to put the monument back instead be seen as supporting their disgraceful act. Show some respect and appreciation for the tremendous sacrifice and contribution of the Russians.

Jay Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada

Funny thing about it is that it is actually Russian own export which will suffer from it. They are punishing their own oil businesses with it.

Merlin, Tallinn,

A week ago Estonian premier Mr. Ansip said that by rumors the Monument was erected at the site of burial of two drunken Russian soldiers – victims of road accident in 1945. Russians in Estonia took it as a deliberate insult (which it was), it aggravated already tense situation. The roots of the crisis lie much deeper. After Estonia became independent the majority of Russians were deprived of citizenship and their political rights. The demolition of the Monument was only a last straw

Alex, Riga,

It is a clear proof that Moscow is in stalinist's set of mind
and the rest of Europe needs to show total support to Estonia, otherwise no country can be safe from soviet bullying . They cabn never except former soviet republics as sovereign states without international condemnation.

Vlodek Tarnawski, Wood Dale Il, USA