Commenting on the proposed removal of a Soviet WW2 memorial in the Estonian capital, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister, Sergey Ivanov, has called on Russians to avoid tourist trips to Estonia and refuse buying Estonian products.

He also said that the possible removal of the so-called “Bronze Soldier” monument in the centre of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, could affect bilateral relations.  

‘Removing the monument will not pass without trace for Russian-Estonian relations. There's a considerable quantity of Estonian dairy products on the Russian market. So, they shouldn't be purchased. I am not talking about sanctions. But if Russians are not happy with Estonian policies they can simply refuse to buy their goods,’ the Minister claimed. 

The Soviet Army drove the Nazi Army out of the Baltic republics in World War II. However, they were accused of  reimposing Soviet control.