Human Rights in the Shadow of War: Understanding Repressive Measures Against the LGBTI Community in Russia During the Invasion of Ukraine

Throughout history, authoritarian regimes exercised various methods of power consolidation and population control. This study examines whether the Russian government uses “fifth column” politics to scapegoat the LGBTI community, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. Application of qualitative content analysis (QCA) of Vladimir Putin’s speeches (2013–2024) and frequency analysis of state-sponsored media outlets’ LGBTI-related coverage explores how the anti-LGBTI rhetoric has evolved as a tool of nationalistic mobilisation, repression, and political distraction. The findings reveal a significant increase in anti-LGBTI discourse following the 2013 "gay propaganda" law, with major intensification after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In addition, a thematic analysis of Putin’s statements defines key themes portraying LGBTI individuals as a foreign threat, a symbol of Western moral decay, and a danger to national security and demographic stability. The results of this study show that the Russian government indeed implied three main elements of “fifth column” politics against the LGBTI community: discourse, policies, and mobilisation. The study concludes that time of political unrest or armed conflict might serve as early warning indicator of possible scapegoating cases of marginalised groups. Vulnerable communities often become the first targets of repression in order to reinforce authoritarian control under the guise of moral and national security concerns. These findings emphasise the importance of international monitoring and intervention to prevent further erosion of human rights in authoritarian regimes, particularly in times of war and political instability.