Russian authorities tighten political control as post-election uncertainty grows

Russian authorities have banned Yabloko, the country's sole remaining legal anti-war party, while opposition politician Lev Schlossberg received an 11-year prison sentence ahead of September's parliamentary elections. The crackdown coincides with heightened domestic tension, as citizens increasingly fear a secondary military mobilization following the vote, leading some to liquidate property and flee despite government denials.

The pre-election atmosphere aligns with late-summer economic and political anxieties historically labeled as "Black August." Questions also persist over long-term governance, given the absence of a clear succession mechanism for 73-year-old President Vladimir Putin. Beyond its borders, Moscow maintains close focus on upcoming elections in Serbia, warning against potential Western-aligned "color revolutions" in the region.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti