Sergey Goryashko

A Moscow court has barred Yabloko, Russia’s only registered liberal anti-war party, from contesting next month’s parliamentary elections after a lawsuit by the pro-Kremlin Rodina party. The case cited Yabloko’s alleged support for an organization designated extremist, copyright infringement and alleged foreign funding. The ruling follows the disqualification or imprisonment of several Yabloko candidates and a cyberattack on the party’s campaign donation appeal. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the courthouse, an unusually visible expression of anti-war dissent amid wartime censorship and repression. With all other participating parties supporting or avoiding criticism of the war, Yabloko’s exclusion could reduce opposition turnout and benefit the Kremlin despite falling support for United Russia.