The war is burning Russia from the inside. Putin vs. record drop in births and mass emigration

There is a serious demographic crisis in Russia, and the country's actions will not stop the population decline in the near future. Putin makes improving the situation his strategic goal, but experts indicate that the problem may have deeper causes.

The war prevailing as a result emigration and the birth crisis deepen the crisis in Russia. This demographic collapse may have very serious consequences for society and, above all, the economy. This may also affect Russia's international position. The crisis itself has been deepening for years, but the factors mentioned above do not help.

“Tagesspiegel” quotes information from British intelligence, which outlines that the war in Ukraine is associated with high human losses as well as mass emigration, especially of educated and young Russians.

“Towards tradition and splendor”

“Let us preserve and restore these wonderful traditions. Large families must become the norm, the lifestyle of all Russians. Family is not only the foundation of the state and society, it is a spiritual phenomenon, the source of morality. Maintaining and increasing Russia's population is our task for the coming decades and even generations,” he said. Putin at the World People's Council of Russia in Moscow in 2023. More than two years have passed and the situation is worse.

The Institute for War Studies indicates that since the beginning of the war, Russia may have lost over 1.2 million people, and another 1.3 million have left the country. From the very beginning, Putin encouraged Russian women to have up to eight children.

In 2024, approximately 1.21 million children – this is the lowest result since 1999.

“The actions taken so far to improve the demographic situation are insufficient. The negative trend continues and the birth rate continues to decline,” Putin said during a meeting with officials.“Tagesspiegel”.

Currently, the fertility rate in Russia is estimated at approx. 1.41 – 1.45. This result is well below the replacement level of generations 2.1. Putin's plan includes an increase to 1.6 by 2030 and to 1.8 by 2036.

This is to be facilitated by the promotion of traditional family values, support for large families and rewarding grandparents with a large number of grandchildren. However, these actions indicate questionable effects.

prepared by WM

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