Kremlin tightens political grip. Supreme Court upholds ban on Yabloko's participation

The Kremlin has tightened its political grip, with Russia's Supreme Court recently upholding a ban that bars the Yabloko party from participating in State Duma elections. This decision effectively silences one of the last remaining officially registered opposition parties in the country.

Yabloko, historically a voice for liberal reform, has previously advocated for a return to partnership with NATO and called for negotiations concerning the territories in eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian separatists. The party also urged for a ceasefire on the Ukrainian front and the protection of soldiers' lives.

The move to exclude Yabloko from the elections was spearheaded by the far-right Rodina (Motherland) party. Rodina lodged accusations against Yabloko, including alleged copyright violations and illicit foreign funding, which formed the basis for the electoral ban.