Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008. He was also the Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012.
Russian airstrike kills “courageous” LGBTQ+ activist Elvira Schemur in Ukraine
Elvira Schemur, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist in Ukraine, was killed by a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv earlier this month. The 21-year-old was a law student and activist who volunteered with both Kharkiv Pride and Kyiv Pride.
Maksym Eristavi, a board member at the latter organisation, confirmed news of her death on 17 March. “This is Elvira Schemur,” the activist wrote on Twitter alongside images of her. “A 21-yo law student, civil society activist, a kickass volunteer at our @KharkivPride and @KyivPride fams.
the pride of young Ukraine.” He explained that she was “killed by a Russian bombing of Kharkiv” and told the Washington Blade that she was “volunteering inside” a building in the city when it was hit by a Russian missile. “Elvira inspired folks to follow her, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of freedom and equality,” Eristavi wrote in a follow up tweet. “She was one of the first pride volunteers to join the Kharkiv regional defense.
she was brave and courageous. patriot and a hero.” KharkivPride also posted a tribute to Schemur on 18 March. “Yesterday, we received a deeply tragic notification of the death of our volunteer Elya Shchemur,” they wrote. “Elya was an activist and a patriot: she participated in all possible actions and democratic events of Kharkiv.” For months, Western officials reported that Russia was planning an invasion of Ukraine that could begin at any moment – something Vladimir Putin adamantly denied.
