Russia tightens domestic control ahead of elections amid succession and mobilization fears

Russian authorities are stepping up domestic political controls ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections. Recent state measures include banning Yabloko, the country's sole remaining anti-war party, and sentencing senior official Lev Schlosberg to 11 years in prison.

Domestically, public anxiety is growing over a potential post-election military mobilization driven by high battlefield losses in Ukraine, prompting some citizens to sell assets and prepare to leave the country. The heightened tension coincides with Russia's traditional "Black August," a period historically associated with unexpected domestic crises. Questions also persist over long-term political continuity given the absence of a clear succession plan for 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin. Beyond its borders, Moscow has increased warnings regarding potential Western-backed "color revolutions" surrounding upcoming elections in Serbia.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti