Kremlin tightens political control ahead of elections amid succession uncertainty

Russian authorities are intensifying domestic political controls and monitoring foreign political developments ahead of upcoming elections. Domestically, the Kremlin has banned Yabloko, the country's sole remaining anti-war party, and sentenced senior figure Lev Schlosberg to 11 years in prison. This suppression occurs alongside growing public anxiety over a potential post-election military draft driven by heavy battlefield losses in Ukraine, prompting some citizens to sell property and prepare to leave Russia.

These developments align with late summer, a period historically dubbed "Black August" due to recurring national crises, though state officials downplay current economic and political strains. Beyond its borders, Moscow is actively focusing on forthcoming elections in Serbia, regularly warning of Western-backed "color revolutions" to preserve its regional influence. Meanwhile, long-term stability remains uncertain, as 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin has established no clear succession framework.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti