Russia’s sole anti-war party targets coming elections, favours ceasefire
Sensing frustration among many Russians towards the Ukraine war, Russia’s liberal Yabloko party is hoping to use parliamentary elections this September to raise its profile, casting itself as the only opposition group in favour of a ceasefire. Elections in Russia are tightly controlled – every parliamentary vote since 2003 has been won by the ruling “United Russia” party, which supports President…
Russia's liberal Yabloko party is targeting parliamentary elections in September, positioning itself as the only anti-war group advocating for a ceasefire during the ongoing Ukraine war. With a dismal three percent support in a recent poll, the party aims to increase its influence, especially among the young demographic usually disengaged from politics.
Yabloko's leader, Nikolay Rybakov, hopes the campaign will bring peace closer, emphasizing that their participation will not be futile. Although founded in 1993, Yabloko has failed to secure seats in the State Duma since 2003 when Russia launched its Ukraine offensive. The party is riding the wave of public sentiment, with 64 percent of Russians backing peace negotiations, rising to 78 percent among 18 to 24-year-olds, according to a June Levada Centre poll.
However, Yabloko faces legal challenges, including a potential ban from the Supreme Court, which could jeopardize their electoral prospects. The party has also been under scrutiny for its critical stance on the conflict, with several members facing jail sentences for expressing dissenting views. Despite the risks, Yabloko remains resilient, with a growing youth membership driven by frustration over internet restrictions and the desire for a free and peaceful future.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Russia’s only anti-war party eyes support boost at elections japantimes.co.jp
