Kremlin crackdowns and succession doubts shadow upcoming Russian elections

As Russia prepares for upcoming parliamentary elections, the Kremlin has intensified measures against political dissent, banning the anti-war Yabloko party and sentencing senior official Lev Schlosberg to 11 years in prison.

Domestically, public anxiety is rising over potential post-election military mobilization driven by heavy casualties in Ukraine. Reports indicate some citizens are liquidating assets and preparing to leave the country. Observers highlight that these domestic strains coincide with Russia's traditional late-summer period of instability, historically termed "Black August."

Simultaneously, questions remain regarding long-term governance under 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin, who has established no clear succession plan. Internationally, Moscow maintains a strong focus on upcoming elections in Serbia, repeatedly warning of potential "color revolution" scenarios to avert power shifts in the region.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti