Russia’s ambassador in Uganda, Vladlen Semivolos, denied that his embassy transferred $300,000 to the Uganda Women Parliamentary Group, which hosted the 2023 conference. “I had never been exposed to anyone who was actually trying to undermine the family,” Slater wrote. “We’ll partner with anyone who believes in the value of family,” Slater told a journalist in March 2010. Both men have backed legislation inside Russia restricting LGBTQ rights that helped Putin portray himself as a global standard-bearer for traditional values. “It’s as if everyone has the right to attack and violate the rights of LGBTQ people,” said Clare Byarugaba, a Ugandan gay-rights activist.