Yabloko Party Barred from Russian Parliamentary Ballot Amid Rising Anti-War Sentiment

Nikolai Rybakov, leader of Yabloko—Russia’s sole anti-war opposition party—filed an appeal after a court ordered the party’s removal from the ballot for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The Supreme Court subsequently upheld the disqualification, confirming that Yabloko will not appear on the ballot. Rybakov was observed in central Moscow, fielding questions from passers-by about his anti-war stance and the party’s future.

New York Times

Yabloko has long positioned itself against military aggression, describing itself as a party that “opposes violent action.” The party’s removal follows a pattern of opposition groups being excluded under President Vladimir V. Putin’s administration. The timing coincides with a noticeable shift in public mood, as citizens increasingly voice fatigue over the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.

New York Times

A recent poll cited in the coverage indicates that Russians who favor peace negotiations outnumber those supporting continued fighting by more than two to one. This polling data underscores a growing appetite for an end to hostilities, which party officials argue could translate into electoral support if Yabloko were allowed to run.

New York Times

He emphasized Yabloko’s consistent anti-war platform and expressed disappointment that the Supreme Court’s decision eliminates a channel for dissenting voices in the election. The party’s appeal was lodged promptly after the initial court ruling, but the higher court’s affirmation left the disqualification in place.

New York Times

• “Are you really going to take the metro? Wow!” — Telegram. He

New York Times

The episode highlights the tightening of political space in Russia as anti-war sentiment rises, while the legal mechanisms used to bar Yabloko illustrate the challenges faced by opposition parties seeking to channel public discontent through formal electoral processes.

New York Times