Kremlin tightens control amid succession questions and mobilization fears

Russian President Vladimir Putin faces mounting domestic pressure, draft concerns, and succession questions as Moscow tightens political control ahead of elections.

Following the ban on the opposition party Yabloko and the sentencing of leader Lev Schlossberg to 11 years in prison, public anxiety has grown. Concerns over a potential post-election military draft have prompted citizens to sell assets and prepare to emigrate, despite official Kremlin denials. Analysts draw parallels to Russia's historical "Black August" pattern of late-summer crises, while pointing to the absence of a succession plan for 73-year-old Putin.

Meanwhile, Moscow has expanded foreign political narratives, repeatedly warning of potential "color revolution" scenarios surrounding upcoming elections in Serbia, matching rhetoric in Serbian pro-government media.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti