Vassily (not his real name) feels keenly the danger public opinion poses to him.

BBC: 'Gay propaganda' bill proves divisive in Russia

Vassily says the boy, along with everyone in his community, is unaware of the real nature of their domestic set-up.

BBC: 'Gay propaganda' bill proves divisive in Russia

"We are used to keeping secrets, " Vassily says in hushed tones, even though he is speaking in the privacy of his own kitchen.

BBC: 'Gay propaganda' bill proves divisive in Russia

The governor of the Brest region, Vassily Dolgolev, estimates that before October 1st, when Poland too began requiring visas, 70% of the cars crossing the nearby border carried some goods to sell.

ECONOMIST: Russia's western border