Russia faces pre-election crackdown, mobilization fears, and succession concerns

Russian authorities have intensified political repression ahead of September's parliamentary elections, outlawing the anti-war Yabloko party and sentencing politician Lev Shlosberg to 11 years in prison. The crackdown aligns with Russia's traditional "Black August," a period historically marked by political and economic volatility that Kremlin officials are currently downplaying.

Concerns are also growing over a potential new wave of post-election military mobilization to cover heavy casualties in Ukraine, prompting some citizens to liquidate assets and attempt to leave the country. Concurrently, analysts warn of systemic governance risks surrounding President Vladimir Putin, 73, due to the lack of a clear succession mechanism. Internationally, Western intelligence reports suggest Moscow could test NATO's cohesion through cyber operations, hybrid tactics, or minor territorial incursions in the coming years.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Index, Klix, Vijesti