This article by Sian Norris is published in Byline Times. Here is an excerpt:

Spend any time on far-right Telegram and Gab channels in the wake of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and one theme keeps popping up – homophobic and transphobic jokes. 

For these men, and it is mostly men, Putin’s regime in Russia provokes admiration because, in part, of his anti-LGBTIQ and anti-feminist policies that include a ban on so-called “gay propaganda”, the effective decriminalisation of domestic abuse, and attempts to withdraw legal recognition of trans people. 

Throughout Europe, Putin’s influence machine has worked hard to undermine women’s and LGBTIQ rights – sowing disinformation, funding anti-gender campaigns, and supporting far-right political parties which have adopted an “anti gender-ideology” or “pro-family” mantle. 

Find the full article here.