Russia tightens political controls and warns of foreign interference ahead of elections

As Russia prepares for upcoming elections, internal political restrictions and public anxieties have intensified. Authorities recently banned Yabloko, the country's final official anti-war political party, while opposition figure Lev Schlosberg received an 11-year prison sentence. Simultaneously, fears of a potential new military mobilization following heavy battlefield losses in Ukraine have led some citizens to sell property and plan departures.

Analysts note these developments align with seasonal late-summer political volatility, historically referred to as "Black August," alongside growing questions surrounding long-term succession plans for 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin. Abroad, Moscow continues to focus on maintaining Balkan influence, repeatedly warning of potential Western-backed "color revolutions" ahead of parliamentary elections in Serbia.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti