Kremlin says indignant at Estonia's plans to deconstruct Soviet-era monuments

MOSCOW – Russia strongly condemns the planned deconstruction of Soviet-era monuments in Estonia but is unable to prevent it, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Of course, we believe this is outrageous: they are fighting history, what's more, common history, and are getting rid of monuments to those who saved Europe from fascism. Of course, this is outrageous and it does not become any nation, including Estonia," Peskov said at a press briefing on Friday in comments on Estonia's plans to deconstruct up to 400 Soviet-era monuments.

"In fact, clearly, there is no possibility to prevent it from happening. Still, we have lots of various societies, historical and others. Maybe, they will propose that the monuments be taken here instead of being destroyed. Perhaps, that would be a legitimate question. So, in this case we should only strongly condemn such practices," he said.

On Thursday, the Estonian government decided to remove Soviet monuments from public space.