Yabloko Deputy Maxim Kruglov Sentenced to Seven Years

Kruglov, a prominent deputy leader of the Yabloko party, faced charges stemming from social media commentary posted last October. Prosecutors targeted his criticism of censorship laws, casting his digital dissent as a threat to national unity. Throughout the proceedings, the defendant maintained that his statements were rooted in a desire for domestic reform rather than any malicious intent toward the state.

This outcome reflects the narrowing space for political opposition inside Russia ahead of the upcoming State Duma elections. While Yabloko retains limited regional influence, the party continues to leverage such high-profile trials to broadcast anti-war positions. Yabloko leader Nikolai Rybakov has framed the conviction as a direct assault on the right to political choice, suggesting the state remains committed to dismantling any platform that challenges the Kremlin’s narrative.