Russia's ruling party set to retain power after anti-war parties barred from ballot

Russia's Supreme Court removed the anti-war Yabloko party from the ballot weeks before the election, ensuring the ruling party retains power. This follows a pattern of suppressing opposition, but the explicit ban on anti-war parties signals a hardening stance amid the ongoing conflict. The outcome is largely predetermined, but the move underscores the Kremlin's tightening political control.