Russia faces domestic strain and succession questions ahead of elections

Ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, Russian authorities are increasing control over political opposition and public dissent. The government recently banned Yabloko, the country's last legal anti-war opposition party, and sentenced senior party official Lev Schlosberg to 11 years in prison.

Concurrently, public anxiety is rising over potential post-election military mobilization, leading some citizens to liquidate assets and prepare to leave the country. Observers also point to long-term political uncertainty surrounding succession plans for 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin, alongside seasonal political anxieties often termed "Black August." Beyond its borders, Moscow maintains focus on regional stability, repeatedly warning of prospective Western-backed "color revolutions" tied to elections in Serbia to protect its Balkan ties.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti