Moscow court blocks Yabloko, Russia's sole anti-war party, from upcoming Duma race
A Moscow tribunal has prohibited Yabloko, the only registered party opposing the war in Ukraine, from taking part in next month’s parliamentary elections.
In a high-profile hearing, a Moscow court barred Yabloko, Russia’s only liberal party that publicly opposes the invasion of Ukraine, from contesting the Duma elections scheduled for next month. The case was initiated by the nationalist Rodina party, which alleged that Yabloko endorsed an extremist LGBT organization and infringed copyright by quoting a Soviet song. Federal financial monitors also alleged that Yabloko obtained money through foreign intermediaries in Germany and the United States.
Prior to the verdict, the Central Electoral Commission had approved the party’s candidate list, but multiple members, such as deputy chairmen and Maxim Kruglov, have been excluded or sentenced to prison for anti-war statements. The party’s campaign, marked by a peace-focused slogan, was further hampered by a cyberattack after a donation appeal. Hundreds of young supporters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting and displaying apples as symbols of solidarity.
Why it matters
The decision eliminates the only anti-war voice on the ballot, limiting political choice ahead of Russia's parliamentary vote.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage emphasizes the court’s decision to bar the anti-war party and frames it as stripping voters of a voice, while centrist coverage details the legal allegations used to justify the ban, and right-leaning coverage portrays the party as actively trying to expand anti-war support despite the legal challenge.
LEFT
Frames the story as a suppression of the only anti-war voice, highlighting the court’s ban and its impact on voters.
CENTER
Frames the story as a legal hearing where specific accusations (extremist LGBT ties, copyright infringement, foreign funding) are presented as the basis for the ban.
RIGHT
Frames the story as the party’s effort to broaden anti-war support and mobilise youth, downplaying the court’s blocking action.
The left emphasises
- the Supreme Court barred Yabloko, the only party opposing the war
- the ban strips voters of the chance to express discontent with the conflict
- the suit was brought by the pro-Kremlin Rodina party
The right emphasises
- Yabloko seeks to expand anti-war support ahead of the September vote
- the party aims to mobilise disillusioned youth, with many candidates under 30
- despite low polling, the party argues any advance toward peace justifies participation
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