Estonia says it is banning public gatherings for Victory Day celebrations on May 9, where people display military symbols, or Russian flags.

May 9 is traditionally celebrated by the considerable Russian population of the Baltic country to celebrate the end of World War II.

"The Estonian state has so far been tolerant of the events of May 9, but Russia's current activities in Ukraine exclude public rallies in Estonia, which express support for the aggressor state and display symbols of war," the chief of police and border guards said on Wednesday. Elmar Vaher.

Police said Wednesday that the commemoration of those killed in World War II was not banned, but "should not be used to incite violence and hatred between people."

Among the banned symbols are the flags of the Soviet Union and Russia, Soviet military uniforms and orange and black ribbons worn in Russia to mark the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

The ban is valid until May 10 and applies to the capital Tallinn and surrounding areas.

Russians make up about 25% of Estonia's 1.3 million population and they traditionally gather to lay flowers on May 9 at the statue of the Tallinn Bronze Soldier, commemorating Red Army troops killed in World War II battles in Estonia .