Banned Yabloko Leader Vows to Stay in Russia

A few days ago, Russia's Supreme Court barred Yabloko, the only officially registered anti-war party in the country, from participating in September's parliamentary elections. Among other things, the court cited the party's alleged acceptance of undeclared support from the West, a claim Yabloko vehemently denies and is appealing.

Party leader Nikolai Rybakov said that, despite growing pressure and the threat of prosecution, he will not leave Russia, arguing that change is only possible from within the country.

He views the court's ruling as proof that the authorities fear growing public support for calls to end the war in Ukraine, which has lasted more than four years.

Although the ruling United Russia party will almost certainly retain its dominance in the 450-member State Duma, Rybakov emphasized that millions of Russians want peace and democratic reforms: "You may keep Yabloko out of certain places, you may use various coercive methods against members of our party and against our party leaders, but there is nothing you can do about these millions of people who think the same way we do."

Polls by the independent Levada Center also show that support for military action among the Russian public is gradually declining.

(Reuters, Max)