Nikolai Rybakov, who heads Yabloko—the only legally recognized party in Russia that openly opposes the Ukraine invasion—expressed to the EFE news agency that millions of Russians are against the war and yearn for peace. This statement follows a three-month-long anti-war campaign, which Rybakov believes has rekindled hope among citizens weary of the ongoing conflict.
"We have shown the Russian authorities, and the world, that millions of Russian citizens disagree with what's happening and seek peace. This has already been proven," Rybakov stated from the party's headquarters in Moscow, where a basket of apples—a nod to the party's name, Yabloko, meaning "apple" in Russian—sat on the table.
These remarks came just before the final day of the State Duma elections, held from September 18 to 20, marking the first legislative elections since Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Election Challenges Amidst Conflict
The context of Rybakov's comments was far from favorable: in August, Russia's Supreme Court annulled Yabloko's federal list of around 300 candidates following a lawsuit by the ultranationalist Rodina party. An appeals court upheld the ban shortly thereafter. Despite calls from the UN for Moscow to reverse the decision, it went unheeded. Only a handful of Yabloko candidates were able to run in single-member constituencies.
Despite these setbacks, Rybakov urged voters not to support any of the parties on the ballots. "Voting for any of these parties would mean endorsing Putin's policies," he warned, suggesting that voters spoil ballots where their candidates were barred. On Sunday, Rybakov himself voted in St. Petersburg, inscribing his ballot with words like "life without fear," "peace," and "freedom."
War's Grim Toll and Future Mobilization
With 60% of the votes counted, United Russia led with 47% of the vote, followed by the Communist Party with nearly 21%. No genuine opposition party was among the contenders.
The backdrop of these elections is a war that has reportedly cost Russia nearly 500,000 soldiers, as confirmed by British Defense Chief Richard Knighton in September. Total casualties—including those wounded—are estimated at around 1.5 million since February 2022, a toll Putin refuses to cease through negotiations.
Rather than seeking a diplomatic resolution, the Kremlin is reportedly preparing for another covert mobilization following the elections, according to Western intelligence sources.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimated that Russia could recruit up to 300,000 additional soldiers, while Ukrainian intelligence suggests a force of between 600,000 and 800,000 by 2026-2027. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned on September 17 of Russian plans for drone and missile attacks against NATO's eastern flank countries.
A New Generation Rises Against War
Rybakov emphasized that a new generation has joined the peace movement: "Many young people are joining us, people who only this summer realized that some form of politics could exist in Russia. They became adults after February 24, 2022. This is a special generation."
"We will find another way to continue our work and never retreat. While something can be done to Yabloko as a legal entity, nothing can be done against the millions who support Yabloko's stance," concluded the opposition leader.
Insights into Russia's Political Climate
What is the significance of Yabloko's opposition to the Ukraine war?
Yabloko's opposition is important as it represents a legally recognized challenge to the Kremlin's policies, highlighting internal dissent and a significant portion of the Russian population that seeks peace.
How has the Russian government responded to Yabloko's stance?
The Russian government has responded by annulling Yabloko's candidate list and upholding bans against them, limiting their political influence and participation in elections.
What impact does the ongoing war have on Russian casualties?
The war has resulted in massive casualties for Russia, with estimates of nearly 500,000 soldiers killed and total casualties, including wounded, reaching around 1.5 million since February 2022.