A group of Russian opposition politicians, journalists, human rights activists, and bloggers living abroad has launched a campaign in support of the Yabloko party ahead of September's State Duma elections, Novaya Gazeta Europe reported. The organizers have set up a public support headquarters for Yabloko, stressing that the party itself and its candidates have no connection to the initiative.
According to the campaign's statement, Yabloko is the only party taking part in the elections that openly advocates for peace in Ukraine and the release of political prisoners. "A vote for Yabloko is not about party sympathies. It is a legal way to say 'no' to the war and to Putin," the statement reads. The organizers are urging citizens to come to polling stations at noon on September 20 and vote for Yabloko.
The initiative's participants are asking Russians to record videos or post messages urging people to vote, and those living abroad to campaign where compatriots gather, such as concerts, festivals, and diaspora meetings. They can also help with design, filming, and promotion.
The headquarters was organized by former political prisoners Andrei Pivovarov, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Oleg Orlov, founder of the Ark project Anastasia Burakova, writer Dmitry Bykov, editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta Europe Kirill Martynov, and politicians Maxim Reznik and Alexander Menyukov. Many of them have been designated "foreign agents" or extremists by Russian authorities.
Yabloko's participation in the elections has sparked debate among Russian emigrants opposed to the war. Some argue the party should not be supported, saying the elections will not be free anyway, or citing objections to Yabloko's position: while the party calls for an end to the war, it does not directly condemn Russian aggression. At the same time, several of its members face prosecution under laws on "fakes" or discrediting the army.
Yabloko itself has not yet responded to the initiative. Earlier, several pro-war politicians called on Yabloko to publicly support the war, and there have also been calls to remove the party from the ballot. Among those making such statements were Sergei Mironov, leader of A Just Russia, as well as representatives of the Rodina and Communists of Russia parties.