Russia faces mounting political repression and succession uncertainty ahead of elections

Ahead of Russia's upcoming September parliamentary elections, domestic political pressure and security concerns continue to escalate. The state's recent banning of the opposition Yabloko party and the sentencing of senior politician Lev Shlosberg to 11 years in prison reflect a broader crackdown on anti-war dissent. Simultaneously, public anxiety over possible post-election military mobilization has led some citizens to sell assets and make plans to leave the country, coinciding with late August—a period historically associated with political and economic upheaval in Russia.

At the same time, long-term political stability remains uncertain due to the lack of a defined transition plan for 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin. On the international stage, Western intelligence agencies warn that Moscow may seek to test NATO's unity through hybrid warfare or targeted military incursions in the coming years.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Index, Klix, Vijesti