Russia intensifies pre-election crackdown amid succession questions and regional concerns

Ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, Russia has banned Yabloko, its sole remaining legal anti-war opposition party, while sentencing senior figure Lev Schlosberg to 11 years in prison. The move reflects an escalating domestic crackdown as the Kremlin seeks to eliminate dissent during a sensitive period marked by historical "Black August" anxieties. Public concern is rising over potential post-election military mobilization, prompting some citizens to sell assets and prepare to flee. Beyond internal political stability and unresolved succession questions regarding 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin, Moscow is also focusing on regional influence. Russian officials have repeatedly issued warnings about prospective Western-backed "color revolutions" tied to upcoming elections in Serbia to safeguard its Balkan ties.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti