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.
“They won’t allow us to exist peacefully”: Russian invasion sparks fear for Ukraine’s LGBTQ+ community
Members of Ukraine’s LGBTQ+ community are fearful of what the future may hold for them if Russia takes over the country. For months, Western officials have reported that Russia has been planning an invasion of Ukraine that could begin at any moment – something Vladimir Putin has adamantly denied.
In the early hours of 24 February, however, Ukrainian officials stated that Russia had launched an all-out assault on the country, with troops crossing the border.
There have also been reports of explosions and artillery fire across the country, including around its capital city, Kyiv. Some LGBTQ+ people living there told CBS News that Russia’s actions are “a direct threat” to their safety. “That would mean a direct threat to me and especially, well, to me and to the person I love,” an 18-year-old law student named Iulia told the outlet.
She further explained that her goal is to use her law degree to fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Ukraine, where she is studying to be a lawyer. “In Russia, LGBTQ people are persecuted,” Iulia added. “If we imagine that Russia occupies all of the Ukraine or just a big part of the country, they won’t allow us to exist peacefully and to fight for our rights as we are able to do that in Ukraine right now.” The student also stated that it’s “much more safer than in Russia,” despite Ukraine not allowing gay marriage. “We still have a lot of things to do about our rights and our freedoms, but in Ukraine, you can fully express yourself,” she said.
