Russia tightens domestic controls and warns of Western interference in Serbian elections

Russian authorities are increasing domestic political controls while maintaining a tight focus on regional influence ahead of upcoming elections. Inside Russia, officials banned Yabloko, the final remaining legal anti-war party, and sentenced senior figure Lev Schlosberg to 11 years in prison. Amid mounting troop losses in Ukraine, growing public fear over a possible post-election draft has prompted some citizens to sell property and plan departures. Observers also point to historical late-summer volatility, known as "Black August," alongside unanswered questions regarding political succession for 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin. Concurrently, Moscow is focusing on Serbian parliamentary elections, with officials repeatedly issuing warnings against potential Western-backed "color revolutions" to safeguard Russian influence in the Balkans.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti