View of Herzl, Kefar Giladi, Haqishon Street from Migdal Shalom tower. Russian Orthodox monastery is on horizon. Tel Aviv, the Middle East, October 25, 2001
Bukovetsky House at 27 Kniazheskaya Street where Russian writer Ivan Alekseevich Bunin lived in 1918. Odessa, Ukraine, July 5, 2009
Public bath house (Bani in Russian) on Nikolaevskaya Street in Lisiy Nos, a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, June 9, 2011
An agricultural museum at Helene Ha malka Street 13 among Russian church buildings (Sergei Courtyard) sold to Israel. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2001
Portraits of Binyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel in 1996-1999, at the entrance to an apartment house (populated by Russians) at Yizhak Avinu Street Beer-Sheva, The Middle East, February 16, 2000
Blooming bushes "Bird-of-paradise" at Senesh Hanna Street in front of a house populated by Russian immigrants. Beer-Sheva, the Middle East, June 2, 2001
Graffiti "Russian Dog" on Devolanovsky Spusk, view from Stroganov Bridge of Grecheskaya Street. Odessa, Ukraine, July 1, 2009
Excursion "Literary Odessa" by a guide Valentina Alekseevna Kovach in front of Bukovetsky House at 27 Kniazheskaya Street where Russian writer Ivan Alekseevich Bunin lived in 1918. Odessa, Ukraine, July 5, 2009
Monument of Russian revolutioner V. I. Lenin on Suvorova Street. Vyborg, Russia, June 23, 2017
White flowers of Hoary Alyssum (Berteroa incana, Russian name Ikotnik) taken from Kurchatova Street. Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 20, 2019
Lurid bolete mushrooms (Suillellus luridus, Russian name Poddubovik) on Dvortsovaya Street in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 18, 2024
Panoramic view from the Tarkhovka shoreline that looks north-west across the Sestroretsky Razliv (Lake Sestroretsk) toward the city of Sestroretsk. This view captures the dual nature of Sestroretsk: a historic resort town with natural beauty (the lake, reeds, and stones) juxtaposed with modern urban infrastructure (heating plant and high-rise housing). "Three Chimneys" (Center): The most prominent industrial feature is the cluster of three tall red-and-white striped chimneys. These belong to the Sestroretsk District Heating Plant (part of the city s thermal infrastructure). Residential Towers (Left of Chimneys): The tall, beige-and-orange brick apartment buildings are part of the modern residential developments in Sestroretsk, likely along Tokarevskaya Street or the Razliv microdistrict. Church of Peter and Paul (Far Right): On the far right horizon. This is a modern church (consecrated in 2009) built in memory of the Russian submariners. "Pyramid" Building (Far Left): On the far left, there is a distinctive white building with a stepped, pyramid-like shape. This is likely the "Eden" (Edem) residential complex or a similar luxury apartment block, which is known for its terraced architecture. Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025
Vene Street (Vene ta"nav), one of the most historic and culturally significant streets in Tallinn s Old Town. The creamy yellow building on the right (Vene 17) is the main branch of the Tallinn City Museum (Tallinna Linnamuuseum). It is housed in a medieval merchant s home that dates back to the 14th century, offering visitors a deep dive into the city s history from prehistory to the 20th century. The name Vene means "Russian" in Estonian. The street was historically the center of the Russian merchant community and housed the trade yards and churches of Russian traders, dating back to the 12th century. The streetscape here is an example of Tallinn s Hanseatic architecture. The museum building itself was formed by combining a Gothic merchant house with two granaries, creating the structure seen today. One can also see the distinctive "hoist beam" and cargo hatch on the facade, used for lifting goods into storage. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
A temporary protest installation located directly in front of the Russian Embassy at Pikk 19 in Tallinn s Old Town. The barricades and posters are situated along the sidewalk of Pikk Street, facing the embassy building. This narrow, historic street has become a focal point for public demonstrations since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The installation serves as a persistent protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It features Ukrainian flags, anti-war messages, graphic images of war damage (such as destroyed buildings in Ukrainian cities), and tributes to figures like Alexei Navalny. The display transforms a section of the picturesque Old Town into a politically charged space, forcing diplomats and passersby to confront the realities of the conflict. The protest materials are often updated by activists and local residents to reflect ongoing events. The sign "If they decide to kill me, it means we are incredibly strong - Navalny" references the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, whose death in prison in February 2024 sparked renewed gatherings and memorials at this exact spot. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
The installation captures a vivid and direct form of protest directly facing the Russian embassy on Pikk Street. The central panel displays a graphic depiction of Vladimir Putin with a rat s body, lying dead under a Soviet flag with the slogan "Sooner rather than later" and "Putin Zdoh" (a play on words combining the "Z" war symbol with the Russian word for "died" or "croaked"). This reflects the intense anger and desire for regime change among protestors. The red poster on the right translates to "Reveal who gets Kremlin money in Estonia" (Paljastame, kes saavad Kremli raha Eestis), referencing concerns about Russian influence and corruption within Estonian politics and society. A black-and-white photo of Alexei Navalny is pinned to the fence, honoring the Russian opposition leader who died in prison in early 2024. His image serves as a symbol of resistance against the Putin regime. The fence is covered with layers of weather-beaten signs, photos of destroyed Ukrainian apartment blocks (like the one in the top right), and slogans in multiple languages (Estonian, English, Russian, Ukrainian). This accumulation shows that the protest is not a one-time event but a sustained, evolving vigil kept alive by locals and activists. The poster on the far right features a red handprint with names, symbolizing the "blood on the hands" of those complicit in the war or sympathetic to the Kremlin s actions. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
This section of the protest installation outside the Russian Embassy on Pikk Street features striking posters that use language and graphic design to convey urgent anti-war messages. The black banner in the center features stylized white text that mimics the sound or urgency of a warning siren. The Ukrainian text translates to "Air raid alert" (:041f:043e:0432:0456:0442:0440:044f:043d:0430 :0442:0440:0438:0432:043e:0433:0430), followed by the command "KILL" in large red letters. This likely references the constant threat of bombardment facing Ukrainian civilians and calls for defensive action against the aggressors. The poster on the right, designed with yellow and blue text on a white background, carries a message in English: "And you thought that war is simple?" with the word "UKRAINE" stylized in the center. It challenges the viewer to confront the complexities and brutality of the conflict. To the left, there is a collage of photos showing the devastation of Ukrainian cities, including bombed-out residential buildings (likely Mariupol or Kharkiv), serving as visual evidence of war crimes. While partially obscured, other signs in this installation series often include direct messages to Vladimir Putin, such as the famous slogan "Follow your leader" (referencing Hitler s suicide in a bunker), which has been a recurring theme in protests here. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
This view of the protest installation outside the Russian Embassy on Pikk Street highlights several direct appeals and condemnations aimed at the Russian government. "STOP KILLING PEOPLE": A large, hand-painted sign on the right bluntly demands an end to the violence. This slogan has become a staple of anti-war protests worldwide. "STOP WAR CRIMINALS": The banner on the bottom left features a missile marked with the Russian flag and the demand to stop "war criminals." This reflects the widespread accusation that Russian leadership is committing war crimes in Ukraine. The large white sheet in the center is covered with drawings of cats in blue and yellow bowties, likely representing innocent lives or perhaps a specific children s art project. The text on the right translates from Estonian: "TO THE VICTIMS OF WARS STARTED BY RUSSIA" (Venemaa poolt alustatud so~dade ohvritele). This frames the current conflict as part of a longer history of Russian aggression. The central drawing includes poignant handwritten messages like "NOBODY LOVES YOU!" and "WE DON T WANT WAR!", expressing a mix of personal disdain for the aggressors and a universal plea for peace. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
This view of the installation near the Russian embassy on Pikk Street captures a broader perspective of the protest site, showing how it stretches along the sidewalk in front of the embassy building. The white banner in the foreground originally read "FOR THE VICTIMS OF WARS STARTED BY RUSSIA" (with the Russian translation on the right). However, someone has vandalized the sign by crossing out "RUSSIA" and scrawling "US" and a Star of David (hexagram) over it. This act of vandalism attempts to deflect blame from Russia by invoking anti-American and antisemitic tropes, a tactic often seen in pro-Kremlin disinformation campaigns. On the left side of the street, the building with the distinctive Art Nouveau facade (Pikk 18) houses the Ron Verlin salon, visible through the large arched window. This contrasts the elegant, peaceful commercial life of the street with the raw political conflict playing out just meters away. The fencing extends far down the street, covered in layers of posters, flags, and messages. This indicates the sustained nature of the demonstration, which has become a semi-permanent fixture in the Old Town since the start of the full-scale invasion. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
A wider view of Pikk Street (Pikk ta"nav) in Tallinn s Old Town, focusing on the Russian Embassy at Pikk 19. The elegant pink building on the right with the balcony and the Russian Federation flag is the Russian Embassy. It is a historic structure dating back to the late 19th century, originally built as a private residence before becoming a diplomatic mission. A marked Estonian police van is parked further down the street on the left. Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there has been a constant police presence here to monitor the protests and ensure security around the embassy. The metal barriers covered in protest art, flags, and posters run along the entire length of the sidewalk in front of the embassy. This installation has become a defining feature of the street, transforming a diplomatic zone into a site of permanent public demonstration. The view looks down Pikk Street towards the north, showing the narrow, cobblestone character of the Old Town. On the left, you can see other historic buildings, including shops and restaurants like the Cantina Texas (just visible in the distance). The contrast between the beautiful medieval architecture and the tense political atmosphere is striking. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
This colorful section of the installation outside the Russian Embassy on Pikk Street uses provocative imagery and slogans to confront the Russian leadership. The poster on the bottom left depicts Vladimir Putin lying dead in a coffin with a Soviet flag. The text "Putin Z-dokh" is a pun, combining the pro-war "Z" symbol with the Russian verb for "croaked" or "died like an animal." The English text "Sooner rather than later" expresses a wish for the end of his regime. "Paljastame, kes saavad Kremli raha Eestis": The red poster on the right translates from Estonian as "We reveal who receives Kremlin money in Estonia." It depicts a stylized Kremlin tower with a skull and bundles of cash at the base, addressing concerns about Russian influence operations and corruption within Estonia. A black-and-white photo of Alexei Navalny with yellow and blue ribbons hangs near the top, keeping the memory of the opposition leader alive as a symbol of resistance. "Bloody Hand": The black poster on the far right features a red handprint with names written on it, symbolizing blood guilt. It is titled with a name (partially obscured, possibly "ODANIEL") and includes lists of names, likely implicating individuals or entities considered complicit in the war or sympathetic to the Kremlin. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
Rataskaevu Street (Rataskaevu ta"nav) in Tallinn s Old Town. The focal point in the small square is the famous Cat s Well (Rataskaevu), which gave the street its name. According to local legend, a water spirit lived in the well, and the townspeople would sacrifice stray cats into it to prevent the wells from running dry. The yellow building on the left (Rataskaevu 7) houses the St. Petersbourg Hotel. It is the oldest operating hotel in Tallinn, originally opened in 1850 and located in a 15th-century building that was once a Russian merchant s home. Opposite the well (out of frame to the right, but significant to the street s lore) is the building at Rataskaevu 16, famously known as the site of "The Devil s Wedding." Legend says the devil held a party in the upper room of this house, and to this day, there is a painted "false window" on the facade to block the view into that haunted room. The building now houses a very popular restaurant of the same name. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
A politically charged scene on Pikk Street (specifically at Pikk 19) in front of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn. The metal barricades lining the street have become a permanent protest installation since Russia s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The barriers are covered in posters, slogans, and artwork condemning the war and Russian leadership. The large banner in the foreground reads "FOR THE VICTIMS OF WARS STARTED BY RUSSIA". Other signs visible on the fence typically document war crimes or satirize political figures. A police officer in a high-visibility yellow jacket is patrolling the area. A constant police presence has been standard here to maintain order given the high tensions surrounding the embassy. The Russian Embassy occupies a historic Art Nouveau building at Pikk 19. Ironically, this street is one of the most picturesque and tourist-heavy routes in the Old Town, creating a surreal juxtaposition between medieval charm and modern geopolitical conflict. Across the street (visible in the background) is the famous Maiasmokk Cafe, the oldest operating cafe in Tallinn, further highlighting the clash between leisure tourism and serious political activism in this specific location. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
