Aleksandr Pugachyov is a freelance correspondent for Current Time, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA.
Since 2013, Russia's so-called gay propaganda law has been used to harass LGBT people, activists, and organizations. Now, parliament is preparing an even harsher version, and the LGBT community is warning of looming persecutions and violence.
The West hit Russia hard with sanctions after Moscow invaded Ukraine last month. Now Russians are getting worried about spiking drug prices and shortages of prescription medications.
Ivan Vorobyov, a Cossack leader in southern Krasnodar Krai and a father of three, is among those who are likely to support United Russia in the September 17-19 State Duma elections, although he considers himself a “socialist” by inclination.
![Cossack leader Ivan Vorobyov: "There is a lot that I don’t like, [but] unfortunately [United Russia] is the only party that...is a ruling party. It can maintain at least some sort of stability for the state.”](https://gdb.rferl.org/6df31131-4a3e-4a0e-8815-ecee86a13ae1_w100_r1.jpg)
![Cossack leader Ivan Vorobyov: "There is a lot that I don’t like, [but] unfortunately [United Russia] is the only party that...is a ruling party. It can maintain at least some sort of stability for the state.”](https://gdb.rferl.org/6df31131-4a3e-4a0e-8815-ecee86a13ae1_w66_r1.jpg)