**Russia Adds Elton John’s AIDS Charity to “Undesirable Organizations” List**
Russia has put the Elton John AIDS Foundation, a charity that fights HIV/AIDS and promotes LGBTQ+ rights, on its list of “undesirable organizations”. This is because Russian prosecutors say the charity promotes “non-traditional sexual relations“.
The foundation was launched in 1992 and works in over 90 countries. It aims to increase access to healthcare and reduce stigma around HIV/AIDS.
Russia’s move against the Elton John AIDS Foundation shows how the country is cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights. In 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court declared a “international LGBT social movement” an “extremist organization”.
**Russia’s Harsh Treatment of LGBTQ+ Community**
In 2022, Russia banned public expression of LGBTQ+ identity. The next year, it targeted the transgender community by banning gender-affirming care.
The law on “undesirable organizations” was introduced in 2015 and has been used to target people who oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin.
**Other News from Ukraine**
Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 28 of 39 strike drones launched by Russia overnight. Seven decoy drones disappeared without causing damage.
U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth will not attend a meeting with Ukraine’s partners next week. This is because Russia and Belarus are already under economic sanctions.
The U.K. has proposed a joint European military fund to buy equipment and weaponry. This is in an effort to rearm Europe.
**Ukraine Reconstruction Efforts**
International donors have allocated nearly $7.4 billion for “priority recovery projects” in 2025. However, this leaves a nearly $10 billion deficit to finance reconstruction projects.
Ukraine has successfully brought back 11 children who were taken by Russian forces.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com