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.
Transgender people in Ukraine are facing discrimination and transphobia as they try to flee from invading Russian forces. For months, Western officials reported that Russia has been planning an invasion of Ukraine that could begin at any moment – something Vladimir Putin has adamantly denied.
On 24 February, Putin’s attacked Ukraine with a series of missile strikes. The president’s move was the biggest act of aggression towards another country since World War Two.
Thousands of people have been fleeing the European country to seek safety from Russia’s relentless invasion. Zi Faámelu is a 31-year-old trans woman currently living in Kyiv.
Speaking to CBS News, she described the difficulties she has faced since the capital city has come under siege. “Sometimes we think it’s just all a dream, that we’re stuck inside some kind of a video game.