Russia Tightens the Noose: Drama in the Kremlin Ahead of Elections

Ahead of the September parliamentary elections, Russia has launched an unusual wave of political repression: opposition candidates are being disqualified, anti-war parties are under pressure, and regime opponents are being arrested. This follows a brief period of relative openness in the spring, amid Ukrainian attacks and an economic crisis.

Ahead of the Russian parliamentary elections in September, authorities in Moscow have launched a new wave of political repression. Candidates opposing the war in Ukraine are being disqualified, and parties like the liberal Yabloko are under increasing pressure. Boris Nadezhdin, the most prominent politician associated with opposition to the war, was disqualified from the race and declared a 'foreign agent.' Ilya Remeslo, a former Kremlin lawyer, was also arrested again and held in a psychiatric facility. This follows a period of relative openness in the spring, with rare public criticism. According to an official poll, Putin's approval rating has dropped to 66% - a 5% decline in a week. The Kremlin is expected to maintain control, but estimates suggest about 45% for the ruling party, down from previous forecasts. Meanwhile, Russia has initiated proceedings against Telegram founder Pavel Durov on charges of aiding terrorism.