Putin intensifies repression as Russia prepares for State Duma vote

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ramping up his repression against opposition groups as Russia readies for State Duma elections following the country's invasion of Ukraine, according to The Telegraph. Public discontent over Ukraine's long-range strikes, economic troubles, a fuel crisis, and rumors of a new mobilization drive has prompted unprecedented measures to curb dissent, the newspaper reported.

Even Russia's so-called systemic opposition—political forces that nominally compete but are loyal to the regime—has lost candidates or had them barred from running. Notable examples include Boris Nadezhdin, a long-time political figure forced to leave Russia, and the Yabloko party, which was likely to be banned for its anti-war stance.

At least 23 Russian politicians have been barred from participating in the elections, often accused of displaying "extremist" or Nazi symbols, with 15 cases involving Navalny-related content. Candidates have also faced penalties for posting on Instagram and Facebook. Putin's sensitivity to criticism, even from controlled sources, has surged as his personal approval rating and support for his pro-Kremlin United Russia party have hit record lows.

This crackdown follows increasing signs of public dissatisfaction, with members of Russia's political and business elite now fearing they could become targets of security hard-liners. The Federal Security Service (FSB) is operating beyond normal restraints as Putin increasingly relies on it to maintain his power, Bloomberg reported. Putin signed a decree scheduling the State Duma elections for September 20, 2026.