Russian authorities tighten political control as domestic and regional tensions build

Ahead of September parliamentary elections, Russian authorities have intensified political crackdowns, banning the country's sole legal anti-war opposition party, Yabloko, and sentencing politician Lev Schlosberg to 11 years in prison. At the same time, public fears over a potential post-election military mobilization have prompted some citizens to sell assets and prepare to leave the country.

These developments unfold alongside heightened scrutiny over Russia's recurring late-summer political volatility and long-term succession questions surrounding 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin. Concurrently, Moscow has extended its political messaging into the Balkans, warning of potential Western-backed "color revolutions" ahead of elections in Serbia to secure regional influence and reinforce its anti-opposition stance at home.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti