Story perspectives

Russia Supreme Court Bars Yabloko from September Elections

8/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russia’s Supreme Court barred Yabloko from the Sep 18-20 parliamentary elections on Aug 10 2026.
Judge Vyacheslav Kirillov upheld Rodina’s lawsuit alleging undeclared foreign funding and copyright breaches.
Chairman Nikolai Rybakov said Yabloko received only 16,900,000 rubles (about $204,885) from Russian donors.
A Levada Center poll showed war support at 66% and Yabloko backing at about 3%, below the 5% threshold.
The party will appeal within five days and keep campaigning for peace.

History

Historical Context

Russia’s foreign-agent law, passed in July 2012 after protests over Vladimir Putin’s return, obliges any group receiving foreign support to register and bear heavy reporting burdens. Amendments in 2020-2022 broadened the label to individuals and added a 30 % tax in 2026; by December 2021 over 100 media outlets had been designated. On 10 August 2026 the Supreme Court barred opposition party Yabloko, echoing the law’s long-standing use to marginalize dissent.

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Story summary

Russia’s Supreme Court barred Yabloko from the Sep 18-20 parliamentary elections on Aug 10 2026.
Judge Vyacheslav Kirillov upheld Rodina’s lawsuit alleging undeclared foreign funding and copyright breaches.
Chairman Nikolai Rybakov said Yabloko received only 16,900,000 rubles (about $204,885) from Russian donors.
A Levada Center poll showed war support at 66% and Yabloko backing at about 3%, below the 5% threshold.
The party will appeal within five days and keep campaigning for peace.

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