Kremlin increases domestic crackdowns and monitors foreign elections ahead of vote

Ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, Russian authorities have intensified political crackdowns while closely monitoring foreign political developments. Following the banning of Yabloko, Russia's last legal anti-war opposition party, politician Lev Schlossberg received an 11-year prison sentence.

Concurrently, public apprehension over a potential post-election military mobilization has led some citizens to sell assets and plan departures, despite official denials from Moscow. Observers view these pressures alongside long-term leadership succession questions regarding President Vladimir Putin and late-summer anxieties historically termed "Black August."

Beyond domestic policy, Moscow is tracking upcoming elections in Serbia, with Russian officials warning against potential "color revolution" scenarios and Western political influence.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti