"Russia Bars Anti-War Candidate Nadezhdin from Presidential Race"

Anti-war candidate Boris Nadezhdin has been barred from running in Russia's presidential election due to allegedly falling short of the required number of signatures, further clearing the political landscape for Vladimir Putin. Nadezhdin, who openly opposes Putin's policies and challenges the invasion of Ukraine, has disputed the claims and plans to appeal. This move reflects the sidelining of political opponents in Russia, where presidential elections are seen as a formality showcasing Putin's popular approval. Another anti-war candidate, Yekaterina Duntsova, was also rejected previously, raising concerns about the targeting of political opposition in the country.