Russia’s parliamentary race loses antiwar party that attracted young volunteers ‘because they don’t want to be killed’ in Ukraine, chairman said

Russia's Supreme Court has struck down Yabloko party's bid to stay on the State Duma ballot, following Rodina party's lawsuit, according to chairman Nikolai Rybakov. The ruling came after Rybakov made a closing statement to the court, arguing that Yabloko had not broken any laws and planned to continue advocating its political stance.

The lawsuit, he noted, highlighted the distrust among Yabloko members for the state's ability to conduct fair elections: "We work in Russia under difficult conditions due to our political position. However, we do not hide that position. This is our vision of the country’s interests and its future. It is crucial for us to remain and work in Russia, to maintain connections with the people living here, and for whom we carry out our duties.

We will do everything in our power to make Russia a prosperous, democratic nation." Rybakov also disputed allegations that Yabloko funded the pro-party videos circulating on social media, stating, "We do not pay anything to the young people who produce videos in our support and who attended the Supreme Court today. They support us merely because they wish to live in Russia and not to be killed."

The Prosecutor General's Office, however, supported Rodina party's lawsuit against Yabloko, citing potential copyright infringement concerns. Court officials granted the request to invalidate Yabloko's registration for the elections.