Russian Supreme Court Weighs Yabloko’s Participation in Elections

Rodina leader Alexei Zhuravlev claims Yabloko’s platform serves to discredit the nation, prompting the opposition party to initiate a counter-defamation suit to protect its reputation. Yabloko remains the only registered political force in the country openly campaigning against the military campaign in Ukraine.

Nikolai Rybakov, head of Yabloko, attributes the push for their removal to their consistent stance on peace. He argues the move is an attempt to silence dissent as the ruling United Russia party seeks to consolidate control. This judicial review underscores the narrowing space for political opposition, as authorities continue to frame any stance opposing the military operation as an antagonistic alignment with Western interests.