Yabloko Barred from Russian Elections | Europe News

Russia’s Supreme Court has stripped the liberal Yabloko party of its election eligibility, effectively silencing the country’s lone open critic of the war in Ukraine. Citing unsubstantiated claims of foreign funding and rule-breaking, the court’s ruling — backed by a pro-Kremlin nationalist party — marks a chilling blow to political dissent. Yabloko’s leader vows to appeal, calling it an unconstitutional assault on free speech, while hundreds of young supporters rallied outside the courthouse with apples — their party’s symbol — in defiance. Though Yabloko holds minimal seats, its campaign was pivotal in pushing for a ceasefire, contrasting sharply with Moscow’s hardline stance. The move reflects a broader crackdown on anti-war voices, as censorship laws tighten and opposition figures flee, further entrenching Kremlin control ahead of September’s elections. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4ee76b02a9f4920f