Moscow court blocks Russia’s only anti‑war party from election ballot

Tue Sep 15 2026 06:02:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A top‑court ruling bars Yabloko, the lone liberal opposition, from contesting next month’s parliamentary vote, stifling dissent amid Ukraine war criticism.

Hunter attention: Russia’s lone anti‑war opposition party, Yabloko, was denied ballot access after a Moscow court dismissed a case filed by the pro‑Kremlin Rodina party. Hundreds of young protestors gathered outside the courthouse, chanting slogans and waving apples while the eight‑hour hearing unfolded. The decision comes after the Kremlin’s Central Electoral Commission already approved Yabloko’s candidate list, but the party’s key figures—including deputy chairmen and its spokesman—had already been barred or imprisoned. With only pro‑war parties remaining on the ballot, the ruling United Russia party seeks to coerce low turnout and silence growing dissent. Experts warn that the election will likely lack genuine opposition, undermining democratic legitimacy.

Yabloko, Russia’s lone anti‑war party, barred from next month’s election

A Moscow court ruled that Yabloko can no longer run in the upcoming parliamentary election, effectively removing the country’s sole liberal opposition from the ballot.

The decision followed a lawsuit filed by the pro‑Kremlin Rodina party, which alleged that Yabloko promoted an extremist LGBT movement and partook in copyright infringement. Rodina also accused Yabloko of receiving foreign funds from Germany and the United States.

The hearing attracted a large, youthful crowd outside the courthouse. Protestors sang, carried apples in support of Yabloko, and shouted “Shame! Shame!” when the verdict was announced.

Yabloko has contested every Russian election since 1995 but has failed to secure a seat in the State Duma since 2003. Despite its low polling numbers, the party’s anti‑war stance has increasingly resonated with voters dissatisfied with United Russia’s handling of the conflict in Ukraine.

With only pro‑war parties on the ballot, the Kremlin’s strategy is to manipulate turnout and diminish public dissent. Independent observers report growing restrictions on political monitoring and a chilling effect on civic engagement.

The court’s ruling is seen as part of a broader crackdown on dissent. Former Yabloko chairgrigory Yavlinsky warned that the party’s exclusion “turns the election into a reality where no opposition can be heard.”

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