:watermark(https://f.pmo.ee//logos/4132/d583334e07b643b158b745b655f05032.png,-2p,-2p,0,18,none):format(webp)/nginx/o/2025/10/29/17245475t1h8601.jpg "Kremlin Narratives & Istanbul Convention Discussion")
Kremlin Narratives & Istanbul Convention Discussion
- Opposition to the Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention-designed to combat violence against women and domestic abuse-is growing in several Eastern European countries,fueled by claims that it imposes a...
- Since Vladimir Putin's return to power in 2012,the promotion of "traditional values" has been a central tenet of his political agenda.
- Andris Kudors, a researcher specializing in Russian politics, acknowledges the similarities in the narratives used against the Istanbul Convention.However, he believes Latvia's decision to withdraw was not influenced...
Narratives Against the Istanbul Convention Echo Across Eastern Europe,Raising Concerns of Russian Influence
Table of Contents
Published November 9,2025,at 18:22:52 PST
Rising Opposition to the Convention
Opposition to the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention-designed to combat violence against women and domestic abuse-is growing in several Eastern European countries,fueled by claims that it imposes a “foreign ideology.” A political researcher in the region notes that these arguments are appearing in multiple nations. Latvia recently withdrew from the convention, a move that has sparked debate about potential external influences.
Russia’s Promotion of “Conventional Values”
Since Vladimir Putin’s return to power in 2012,the promotion of “traditional values” has been a central tenet of his political agenda. This messaging is consistently used to assert Russia’s moral superiority and highlight its cultural distinctiveness. Putin’s government has been particularly critical of sexual minorities. In 2013, Russia enacted a law prohibiting “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” aimed at minors, effectively restricting discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and same-sex marriage. In 2023, the Russian Supreme Court went further, declaring the international LGBTQ+ movement an extremist organization.
Latvia’s Withdrawal: Influence or Coincidence?
Andris Kudors, a researcher specializing in Russian politics, acknowledges the similarities in the narratives used against the Istanbul Convention.However, he believes Latvia’s decision to withdraw was not influenced by Russian propaganda, despite the parallel arguments being made.
The Danger of Division and Disinformation
Disinformation researcher Hirsch warns that the spread of divisive narratives is a perilous trend. He argues that creating division and chaos makes societies more susceptible to radical ideas, as segments of the population become more receptive to extreme viewpoints. This vulnerability can be exploited to further political agendas.
Potential Exploitation by Russia
The researchers point to several areas where Russia could possibly exploit these divisions. These include efforts to ban abortion-with Latvian lawmakers already introducing legislation referencing “unborn life”-the implementation of “foreign agent” laws, and debates surrounding migration policy. Russia could leverage these issues to weaken Latvia’s ties with Western allies and draw it closer into its sphere of influence.
Ancient context and Regional Differences
The researchers emphasize that the prevalence of these narratives in countries bordering Russia is linked to historical development.Thay suggest that Western and Southern European nations have already grappled with these ideas over several decades, resulting in less public sensitivity to them. The debates have, in effect, already played out in those regions.