Russia closes window for dissent as Ukraine’s attacks stir public dismay

7 hours ago 2

Democracy Dies in Darkness

The government in Moscow is coming under increasing pressure over Ukraine’s relentless drone strikes. Ukraine’s president is due to meet in Washington with President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

July 28, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. EDT4 minutes ago

Russia’s most prominent anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin, who sought to run as an independent, has been barred from the campaign. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images)

The Kremlin has initiated a new crackdown on anti-war voices ahead of Russia’s parliamentary elections in September, barring candidates from running if they show any sign of opposing the bloody, expensive and increasingly unpopular military operation in Ukraine.