Kyiv Hosts First Pride March Since Russian Invasion

LGBTQ+ servicemembers and supporters call for equal rights amidst ongoing conflict and conservative opposition.

Hundreds gathered in central Kyiv under heavy police presence due to safety concerns and threats from anti-LGBTQ+ groups.
Protesters demanded legal protection, including hate crime laws and equal marriage rights, highlighting the lack of LGBTQ+ rights in Ukraine.
The march was cut short by police, redirecting participants to the subway for safety.
LGBTQ+ soldiers emphasized their contributions to the military, hoping to shift public attitudes and gain legal recognition for same-sex partnerships.
The event underscored the broader struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Ukraine, which faces both internal opposition and the backdrop of war with Russia.