Russia faces rising domestic anxiety and political tightening ahead of elections

Public anxiety in Russia is mounting amid traditional late-summer uncertainty and persistent concerns over potential military mobilization following upcoming parliamentary elections. Despite official denials regarding further troop drafts, reports indicate some residents are liquidating property and contemplating departure due to ongoing military losses in Ukraine.

Concurrently, state authorities have intensified measures against domestic opposition. The legal status of Yabloko, the nation's final operating anti-war party, was revoked while political figure Lev Shlosberg received an 11-year prison sentence.

Analysts also highlight long-term stability risks tied to the absence of a formal succession framework for 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin. Internationally, U.S. intelligence agencies assess that Moscow could test NATO's collective defense resolve through hybrid tactics or limited incursions over the coming years.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Index, Klix, Vijesti