Lev Shlosberg sentenced to 11 years for war dissent

Pskov regional court judge handed an 11-year prison sentence to Lev Shlosberg, a veteran of the Yabloko party, for his vocal opposition to the war in Ukraine. The ruling marks a severe escalation in the state’s campaign against dissent, effectively silencing one of the country’s most persistent liberal voices.

Editorial·August 17, 2026·reads: 1,143

Lev Shlosberg sentenced to 11 years for war dissent

Shlosberg stood firm during the closing moments of his trial, labeling the proceedings a political performance rather than a pursuit of justice. He used his final opportunity in court to reiterate his demand for an immediate ceasefire, calling the invasion a catastrophe for Russia.

This conviction arrives just weeks after the Supreme Court barred Yabloko from participating in upcoming parliamentary elections. By removing both a prominent figure and a political institution from the public sphere, the authorities are systematically dismantling the infrastructure of organized opposition. The sentencing confirms a hardening stance toward those who continue to challenge the official narrative regarding the military campaign.