Russia faces domestic tensions and international concern ahead of elections

Russian authorities have banned Yabloko, the country's sole remaining legal anti-war opposition party, and sentenced senior party figure Lev Shlosberg to 11 years in prison ahead of September's parliamentary elections. The crackdown coincides with growing public anxiety over potential post-election military conscription, leading some citizens to sell assets and prepare to leave during the late-summer period historically described as "Black August."

Simultaneously, analysts highlight unresolved questions regarding leadership succession for 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin, warning that the highly personalized system lacks a clear transition plan. Internationally, US intelligence reports indicate that Moscow could conduct hybrid attacks or limited incursions in the coming years to test NATO's unity.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Index, Klix, Vijesti