Russia’s top court made a ruling on Monday to exclude the sole party opposing the Kremlin’s military involvement in Ukraine from the upcoming parliamentary election. The Supreme Court invalidated the registration of Yabloko, a party that had been initially approved by the Central Election Commission to be on the ballot along with 10 other parties. Yabloko, once a prominent liberal voice in parliament critical of the government, lost its seats in the State Duma as the Kremlin consolidated its hold on Russian politics. The party was known for being the only registered opposition party against sending troops to Ukraine and campaigned for a ceasefire, diplomacy, and peace, as well as for a Russia free from fear and political repression.
Grigory Yavlinsky, a veteran liberal politician and co-founder of Yabloko, expressed disappointment over the court’s decision and announced the party’s intention to appeal. He emphasized that barring Yabloko from the election signifies a reluctance by the authorities to engage in dialogue with those raising uncomfortable questions. Yavlinsky underscored the public demand for peace, freedom, and a life without fear, urging a change in government policies.
Despite pressure from certain Kremlin-aligned parties and calls for investigation, Yabloko received support from various exiled Russian opposition figures, including Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Yabloko chairman Nikolai Rybakov distanced the party from support by Navalnaya and other Kremlin opponents abroad to prevent its removal from the ballot. The party garnered attention on social media with videos featuring people expressing support for Yabloko through non-political means like dancing to Russian songs referencing apples.
Analysts noted that the Kremlin may have initially allowed Yabloko on the ballot to provide an outlet for public discontent while expecting limited support due to the party’s anti-war stance on Ukraine. However, Yabloko’s peace-focused campaign resonated with voters, challenging the Kremlin’s assumptions.
Yavlinsky highlighted that the court’s decision highlighted the significance of Yabloko’s platform, surpassing official election results. He stressed that public demand for peace and freedom had exceeded the authorities’ expectations.
Kremlin-aligned parties criticized Yabloko for its opposition to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, with some calling for legal action against the party. Yabloko faced a lawsuit from the Motherland Party, alleging copyright infringement, campaign spending violations, and advocating actions against Russia’s territorial integrity. Yabloko representatives refuted the accusations in court.
Yabloko has encountered increasing pressure from the Kremlin, including the imprisonment and labeling of prominent members as “foreign agents.” Some members have faced criminal charges and harsh sentences, while others have been barred from public office. This crackdown on dissent within Yabloko reflects a broader trend of tightening government control on opposition voices in Russia.