“Russian brutes” allegedly caught tearing down Ukraine signs outside capital’s Russian embassy

AN EDINBURGH local claims to have captured two “Russian brutes” allegedly tearing down pro-Ukraine signs that were placed outside the capital’s Russian embassy.

The alleged removal of the signs was spotted by the unnamed resident and their Russian-speaking partner on Saturday evening outside the embassy on Melville Street.

There, a number of signs supporting Ukraine were placed as a protest two years on from the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.

However, the signs were allegedly nonchalantly torn down by the unidentified pair who ignored requests to explain themselves, and who locals now claim are “employed” by the embassy.

The witness claims that the two Russians exited a large black van near the embassy and began removing the pro-Ukraine signs.

Snapping photos of them, the witness claims that the individuals were approached and challenged but claimed not to speak English and replied only in Russian.

However, when asked in Russian why they were removing the signs, the pair refused to answer before the female allegedly tried to shove a Ukrainian passerby who also challenged them.

The pair then drove off in the van and despite the incident allegedly being witnessed by staff in the Russian embassy, the witness claims nothing was done to stop the vandalism.

The witness shared their story and snaps of the alleged Russians in the middle of removing the signs to social media on Saturday.

They wrote: “Russian brutes removing Ukraine signs outside Russian embassy.

“This happened at approximately 17:30 today at the Russian embassy in Edinburgh. The two individuals pictured got out of a large black van and began removing Ukrainian signs tied to the posts outside the Russian embassy.

“This happened while an event, Intertwined Ballads: Concert for Unity, was being held in St Mary’s Cathedral nearby.

“When approached and challenged, the individuals claimed to not speak English and replied in Russian.

“My Russian-speaking partner further asked why they were removing the signs and if they were with the council, which the individuals refused to answer.

“After being filmed for a few moments, the woman moved to physically shove a Ukrainian passerby who joined us in challenging their actions, and I intervened by putting myself between them.

“They then drove off in the van and did not return over the course of the next half hour. During this incident the door to the Russian embassy briefly opened, but no one emerged.

“Activists suspect that these individuals were paid by the embassy to remove the signs, but this cannot yet be confirmed.

“Ghoulish behaviour of the lowest order. Slava Ukraini.”

The incident sparked outrage amongst the capital’s community with the post receiving over 750 likes and more than 160 comments from fuming Scots.

One user claimed: “Black Ford Transit minibus with a number plate starting with 24?

“These two are employed by the embassy for whatever the ambassador sees fit. Normally see them doing runs to B&Q in the van.”

Another added: “Report to the police. They should not be using the transport for anything other than business relating to the embassy. This is removal of signs in a public place.

“The territory of the pound shop golden horde, sorry Russia, ends at the coat of paint on the door.”

A third said: “Generally my point of view with this sort of thing is, ‘We’re allowed to put them up, and they’re allowed to take them down’. But if they assaulted somebody that crosses a red line.”

Another wrote: “Slava Ukraini. Scotland stands with Ukraine and this reeks of Russian desperation.”