Russia Summer of Turmoil
FILE - Supporters of the Yabloko party wait to enter Russia's Supreme Court in Moscow, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, to attend a hearing on a lawsuit to bar the party from the ballot in the upcoming parliamentary election.
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Russians have experienced a summer of turmoil because of the war in Ukraine. Swarms of buzzing drones have hit oil refineries, triggering a gasoline shortage. Online retailers have had their warehouses attacked, disrupting sales and hurting small businesses. Airports have been disrupted by the drones, stranding travelers. This increased awareness of the war comes at a challenging time for the Kremlin, with a parliamentary election later this month. Experts say the balloting, though tightly controlled, could bring political volatility. Rumors of a possible troop mobilization also are creating anxiety, prompting some Russians to leave the country. While none of this has led to anti-war protests, it affects the national mood before the election.
