Stories · Общество

Distorted world view

What Russian diplomats see from their embassy windows

A burnt-out Russian tank from Ukraine against a backdrop of Putin near the Russian embassy in Riga, Latvia, 24 February 2023. Photo: Vladislav Dokshin / Novaya Europe

“Stop the war.” Riga and Berlin, Copenhagen and Tallinn, Munich and New York, London and Warsaw are all saying the same thing. And from their windows, Russian embassy staff overwhelmingly see two colours: blue and yellow.

This is the world saying to Russia: “Glory to Ukraine!”

Tallinn

The Russian Embassy in Tallinn, Estonia. Photo: Daniel Thüler

“Russia!!!! Your dictator kills children!!!!” written on a poster in front of the entrance to the Russian embassy in Tallinn. Photo sent by Novaya Europe subscribers

Riga

An art installation near the Russian embassy in Riga, Latvia, 24 February 2023. Photo: Vladislav Dokshin / Novaya Europe

A poster opposite the Russian embassy in Riga, Latvia, reads “The Russian army [is made up ] of marauders, rapists, murderers and criminals”, 18 December 2023. Photo: Vladislav Dokshin / Novaya Europe

Washington D.C.

A fence outside the Russian embassy in Washington D.C. is painted in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Photo sent by Novaya Europe subscribers

“Free Evan” poster, asking for release of WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich, and the Ukrainian flag at the Russian embassy in Washington D.C. Photo sent by Novaya Europe subscribers

Vienna

The fence outside the Russian embassy in Vienna, Austria, is painted in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Photo: Pyotr Petrenko

“Russians against the war” posters are displayed opposite the Russian embassy in Vienna, Austria. Photo: Pyotr Petrenko

Prague

A hand making the peace sign, complete with manicure in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, near the Russian embassy in Prague, Czechia. Photo: Yulia Akhmedova

The Hague

The Russian embassy building in The Hague, Netherlands. Photo: Ilya Volzhsky

Ukrainian flags opposite the Russian embassy in The Hague, Netherlands. Photo: Ilya Volzhsky

Warsaw

A street sign for the renamed “Victims of Russian Aggression Street” where the Russian embassy in Warsaw, Poland can be found. Photo: STR / NurPhoto / Getty Images

Leipzig

Installation opposite the Russian consulate in Leipzig, Germany. Photo sent by Novaya Europe subscribers

Berlin

A burned out Russian tank, sent from Ukraine and placed in front of the Russian embassy in Berlin, Germany. Photo: Wolfgang Kumm / picture alliance / Getty Images

“Stop the War” installation in front of the Russian embassy in Berlin. Photo sent by Novaya Europe subscribers

London

The Ukrainian flag, painted by a group of activists on the street in front of the Russian embassy, London, 23 February 2023. Photo: Rasid Necati Aslim / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images

Anti-war posters near the Russian embassy in London. Photo sent by Novaya Europe subscribers

Copenhagen

A van displaying the message “Putin, stop your war” parked in front of the Russian embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo: Daniel Thüler

Idea: Daniel Thüler