Russia bars only party opposing war in Ukraine from parliamentary vote

Russia's Supreme Court has barred the Yabloko party, the only officially registered party opposing the war in Ukraine, from participating in upcoming parliamentary elections. The decision upheld a lawsuit filed by the pro-Kremlin nationalist party Rodina, which accused Yabloko of receiving undeclared campaign support, allegedly from Western sources. Yabloko denied these allegations, with its leader calling the case an unconstitutional attack on freedom of thought. The court's ruling strips voters of the opportunity to express dissent regarding the conflict at the ballot box. Yabloko plans to appeal the decision.

Russia's Supreme Court has barred the liberal Yabloko party from participating in the upcoming September parliamentary elections. This decision, made on Monday, excludes the only officially registered party in Russia that opposes the war in Ukraine. The court ruled in favor of a lawsuit filed by the pro-Kremlin nationalist party Rodina, which accused Yabloko of receiving undeclared campaign support, including from Western sources. Yabloko's leader stated there was no evidence for these allegations and described the case as an attack on freedom of thought. The party intends to appeal the decision.

Russia's Supreme Court has removed the Yabloko party from the ballot for the upcoming parliamentary election. The court annulled Yabloko's registration following an appeal from a pro-Kremlin party. Yabloko was the only registered political party in Russia that publicly opposed the country's military action in Ukraine. Despite initially being approved by the Central Election Commission last month, the Supreme Court's decision bars the party, known for its peace-focused slogans, from participating. This action comes as the Kremlin has tightened its control over Russian politics, and exiled opposition figures had encouraged voters to support Yabloko.

Russia's liberal Yabloko party plans to participate in the September parliamentary elections to increase its visibility. The party is positioning itself as the sole opposition advocating for a ceasefire in Ukraine, aiming to capitalize on perceived public frustration with the conflict. However, Russian elections are tightly controlled, with the ruling United Russia party, supportive of President Vladimir Putin, having won every parliamentary vote since 2003. Yabloko is not expected to win any seats, as a recent poll indicated only three percent support, falling short of the five percent threshold required for entry into the State Duma.