A Russian court has sentenced prominent opposition politician Lev Shlosberg to more than 11 years in prison for criticizing the war in Ukraine, marking another major step in the Kremlin’s crackdown on dissent ahead of next month’s parliamentary election. Shlosberg, a senior leader of the Yabloko party, was convicted over statements opposing the war and for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian military. Human rights organizations and opposition figures condemned the ruling, saying it reflects Russia’s growing restrictions on free expression.
Veteran Opposition Leader Receives Lengthy Prison Sentence
The court in the northwestern Russian city of Pskov sentenced 63-year-old Lev Shlosberg to 11 years and one month in prison after finding him guilty of “discrediting” the Russian military and spreading what authorities described as false information.
Shlosberg is deputy chairman of the liberal Yabloko party, the only officially registered political party in Russia that has consistently opposed the war in Ukraine. Prosecutors based their case on remarks he made during a public debate calling for an end to the conflict and a Telegram post featuring the front page of a British newspaper criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Crackdown Intensifies Before Parliamentary Elections
The verdict comes as Russian authorities continue tightening restrictions on opposition voices before parliamentary elections scheduled for next month.
Shlosberg had already been designated a “foreign agent” and had remained in pretrial detention since late 2025. His conviction follows broader efforts by the Kremlin to silence critics since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The case also follows a recent court decision barring the Yabloko party from participating in the upcoming elections, leaving Russia without an officially recognized anti-war political party on the ballot.
Shlosberg Defends His Opposition to the War
During his final statement to the court, Shlosberg defended his position and warned about the direction Russia has taken.
He argued that the country has experienced a steady erosion of civil liberties while the war has inflicted lasting damage on Russian society. Throughout the trial, he maintained that his criticism of the conflict reflected his concern for Russia’s future rather than hostility toward his country.
After hearing the verdict, Shlosberg addressed the judge directly, saying, “I feel sorry for you, Your Honour, you have to live with this.”
Opposition Party and Rights Groups Condemn the Verdict
The Yabloko party denounced the sentence, describing it as punishment for advocating peace rather than committing a crime. Party officials said they intend to appeal the conviction.
Amnesty International also criticized the ruling, calling it a violation of freedom of expression and urging Russian authorities to release Shlosberg immediately.
Human rights advocates say the case reflects the increasingly difficult environment for political opposition inside Russia, where many leading Kremlin critics have been imprisoned, forced into exile, or prevented from participating in elections.
A Continuing Campaign Against Dissent
Shlosberg’s conviction is the latest example of Russia’s campaign against critics of the war in Ukraine. Since the invasion began, authorities have introduced and expanded laws criminalizing criticism of the military, leading to prison sentences for politicians, activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who publicly oppose the conflict.
Analysts say the timing of the sentence, just weeks before parliamentary elections, reinforces the Kremlin’s determination to eliminate organized political opposition while maintaining strict control over public debate.
As Russia moves toward its parliamentary elections, Shlosberg’s case has become another symbol of the country’s shrinking political freedoms. While government officials argue such prosecutions protect the armed forces and national security, critics contend they are designed to silence dissent and discourage public opposition to the war in Ukraine. The appeal of his conviction is expected to draw continued international attention as concerns over political repression in Russia persist.
