CRACKDOWN: Russia Eliminates Last Dissenting Voices Before Duma Elections...

Russia is removing lawmakers who have opposed the war in Ukraine from the ballot ahead of State Duma elections, tightening political control as the conflict enters its third year. The move eliminates what little parliamentary space existed for dissenting voices, consolidating support for government policy at a moment when military casualties have mounted and economic costs have accumulated. With opposition candidates barred, the elections are set to produce a legislature even more aligned with the Kremlin than before.