Putin goes after former allies in pre-election purge

Members of the political team of former President Dmitry Medvedev face lengthy jail terms in what has been reported as a move linked to Vladimir Putin's next run for office.

"Before Putin's nomination, security forces have demanded longer sentences for two former members of Medvedev's team," reported independent Russian news outlet Agentstvo's Telegram channel.

The move is portrayed by independent Russian media as part of a general crackdown on dissent before an expected announcement that Putin will seek a fifth term as president next year.