Vladimir Putin, a man well-known for his love of history and geopolitics, revealed another side to himself Friday. While giving a speech at the Russian Geographical Society, Putin spelled out the heart of his philosophy: the power of love.

"The meaning of our whole life and existence is love," Putin told his audiences. "It is love to the family, to the children, to the motherland. This phenomenon is complicated, it lies at heart of any of our behaviors."

Putin's comments may seem surprisingly wistful, but the Russian leader was a married man for over 30 years, and long-running rumors about younger lovers were reignited following last year's announcement of his impending divorce.

Putin's thoughts on love are accompanied by another piece of news this week. On Thursday, the Advocate ironically gave Putin its "Person of the Year" award. The American magazine, which bills itself as the world's leading LGBT news source, said that the Russian president was "driving the governmental, religious, and popular disdain for gays and lesbians."

Putin had become the "single greatest threat to LGBTs in the world in 2014," the magazine argued, accompanying its article with a truly striking cover.

Critics have repeatedly accused the Russian government of turning a blind eye to violence and discrimination against gays and lesbians. Putin himself signed the controversial "Gay Propaganda" law last year that prohibited the promotion of nontraditional sexual relationships to minors. Activists said that the law resulted in a crackdown on gay pride marches and ended discussion of homosexuality for Russian teenagers.

The Russian president has denied accusations that Russia is a homophobic country, telling journalists that he himself has gay friends and pointing to the Russian fans of Elton John.

Even if Russia's LGBT community has been pushed underground, voices do still make it out. Earlier this year, a book collecting stories of gay Russian life was published. It's title? "Gay Propaganda: Russian Love Stories."