Protesters rally outside Russian embassy during Duma vote

Voting for the State Duma took place quietly at Russia’s embassy in Helsinki on election day, Yle reported. Around 45 people also gathered outside to protest the war and President Vladimir Putin.

Protesters carried anti-war and anti-Putin posters, as well as Ukrainian flags.

Irina Vesikko, chair of the Democratic Community of Russian Speakers in Finland, said organising the demonstration had been easy, despite Russia previously asking Finland to restrict protests at its embassy on election day.

Vesikko said Russia’s elections offered no real alternatives, but that it was important to show that Russians opposed the war and the Russian authorities.

An exit poll was also conducted outside the embassy. Volunteers said that about 200 Russians had voted by 11.30 a.m.