Putin Urges Russians to Boost Birth Rates for Ethnic Survival

Russian President Vladimir Putin is emphasizing the importance of increasing birth rates to address demographic challenges and preserve ethnic identity, Reuters reported recently.

Putin made these remarks during a visit to a tank factory, stressing the need for Russian families to have more children to ensure the survival of ethnic groups in the country. He expressed concern that having only one child per family could lead to a decline in the population, emphasizing the importance of having at least two children to maintain ethnic diversity.

While advocating for larger families, Putin suggested that having three children would be ideal for population growth and development.

Even before the conflict with Ukraine, Russia was grappling with a demographic crisis. Official statistics show that the country’s population has been declining, with estimates indicating a decrease from nearly 149 million in 1993 to 146.4 million at the beginning of 2023. However, this figure represents a slight increase from a low of around 143 million in the early 2010s.

The ongoing war has further strained Russia’s population, with significant casualties among Russian soldiers and a considerable number of people fleeing the country. According to the UK’s Ministry of Defence, between 150,000 and 190,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded in the conflict, while approximately 1 million individuals have fled Russia, exacerbating brain drain and labor shortages.

This is not the first time Putin has emphasized the importance of boosting birth rates. In previous speeches, he has encouraged large families, suggesting that having as many as eight children would be beneficial for society. Putin views large families as essential for upholding traditions and values, considering them not just the foundation of the state but also a spiritual and moral source.

Putin’s call for higher birth rates echoes similar concerns raised by leaders worldwide. For instance, Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged women in China to contribute to establishing a “new trend of family” amid demographic challenges faced by the country. China recently relaxed its long-standing one-child policy, implementing a new three-child policy in May 2021 in an attempt to address population issues.