Kremlin steps up domestic crackdowns and monitors Serbian vote amid August strain

Russian authorities have intensified political repression ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections by banning the opposition party Yabloko and sentencing senior politician Lev Schlosberg to 11 years in prison. The crackdown coincides with growing public anxiety over potential post-election military mobilization, leading some citizens to liquidate assets and plan departures despite Kremlin denials.

These developments align with "Black August," a period historically linked to late-summer instability in Russia, while analysts highlight mounting uncertainty regarding long-term succession for 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin. Concurrently, Moscow is focusing on upcoming elections in Serbia, frequently warning of prospective "color revolutions" to safeguard its Balkan influence.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti