Russia faces pre-election crackdown and lingering succession uncertainty

Ahead of Russia's September parliamentary elections, political pressure has intensified following the banning of the anti-war Yabloko party and the sentencing of senior politician Lev Shlosberg to 11 years in prison.

Concurrently, public anxiety is rising over potential post-election military mobilization to offset heavy losses in Ukraine, prompting some citizens to liquidate property and plan departures. The atmosphere coincides with late August, a period historically associated with political and economic instability in Russia.

Longer-term concerns remain regarding political succession under 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin, as the regime lacks a clear transition framework. Externally, Western intelligence agencies warn Moscow could test NATO cohesion via hybrid warfare or limited incursions in the coming years.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Index, Klix, Vijesti