Recently all of Estonia celebrated “Independence Restoration Day” across the country. Of course, we cannot forget “from whom” this independence came. Thus, it is inevitable that some level of anti-Russian sentiment may arise on this holiday. Estonians are free to interpret their time as being part of the Soviet Union\Russia as they like. Some may see it as a positive that gave them a lot of infrastructure. Others are free to view it as harmful foreign interference messing with their historical destiny. But, what is unacceptable is teaching your children to hate and kill Russians as if this is the default Estonian reason to exist.

On this public occasion, a shooting range was set up at the Tallinn TV Tower, where they offer the whole family to shoot at targets together with the kids. But rather than having a more neutral foe to shoot at or perhaps something abstract, they chose to stick with their Nazi roots. Much like modern Ukraine’s elite, there are plenty in the Baltics that long for the good-ole days when they sided with Hitler and it shows.

The images on the targets are “orcs” (sometimes spelled orks) which is a common reference to Russians from the standpoint of Banderite Ukrainians. In J. R. R. Tolkein’s much loved book series “The Lord of the Rings” the villains utilized orcs to fight against the good guys. These orcs were born of unnatural magic from twisted elves, that is to say – they are both inherently evil and inherently inferior characters. In both the books and films the orcs are shown no mercy as they seem to deserve dying like dogs.

We know that these orcs are a reference to Russians, and not say Warhammer, as the orcs in question bear a “Z” on their chests. This is a symbol now internationally used by those who support Russia’s Special Military Operation, as the first three major battle groups to enter the conflict were Z, O, and V. If you are curious “Zov” means “call” in the sense something like “Call of Duty”.

The orc also bears a plastic bag from the Auchan grocery store chain implying that he is an impoverished looter only at war to steal things. Orcs in numerous fantasy universes are known for stealing\looting in the most barbaric ways.

If nations want to teach their children martial skills then that is no problem and good for the national spirit. But, this type of hatred-breeding should be impossible in the “tolerant” EU. This form of corny anachronistic and primitive racism should have died with Nazi Germany. If Estonians fall into the trap of blind racism, they may well throw their country onto the sacrificial alter of Russophobia right next to Ukraine.