Russia

Power in Russia’s authoritarian political system is concentrated in the hands of President Vladimir Putin. With loyalist security forces, a subservient judiciary, a controlled media environment, and a legislature consisting of a ruling party and pliable opposition factions, the Kremlin manipulates elections and suppresses genuine dissent. Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022, with the government curtailing rights and individual liberties even further to stifle domestic dissent.

Freedom on the Net — Russia Country Report

Russia is rated Not Free in Freedom on the Net, Freedom House's comprehensive study of internet freedom around the globe.

Volunteers clean up the rubbles from a destroyed residential building in Borodyanka. Following the recapture of Borodyanka by the Ukrainian forces, the city was heavily devastated and turned into ruins under intense fighting and shelling.

Nations in Transit — Russia Country Report

Russia is categorized as a Consolidated Authoritarian regime in the Nations in Transit 2023, Freedom House's annual study on the state of democracy in the region stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia.