America News Agency

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna commented on the State Duma elections in Russia. Tsahkna claimed that in the run-up to the vote, the Kremlin systematically eliminated genuine opposition through intimidation, restrictive registration requirements, administrative pressure and criminal prosecutions.

Tsahkna said that all these practices served to preserve those in power and prevent voters from making a genuine choice, citing the exclusion of Yabloko from the process as one concrete example of this effort.

Tsahkna said that the absence of credible international observers also reinforced the assessment that the electoral process was a tool aimed at maintaining Putin's grip on power.

Stating that they strongly condemn the holding of so-called elections in Ukrainian territories illegally occupied by Russia, Tsahkna said, “We are working closely with our partners to ensure a clear and coordinated response to this blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.”