'Disastrous' Russian Birth Rate Puts Country's Future at Risk, Kremlin Says

The Kremlin has expressed concern over the 'disastrous' birth rate in Russia, stating that it poses a risk to the country's future. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow, the current birth rate of 1.4 children per woman is comparable to that of European countries and Japan, but is catastrophic for the nation's future.

Peskow emphasized that anyone with many children is considered a 'hero,' but also denied President Vladimir Putin's political responsibility for the demographic crisis. He stated that measures to increase the birth rate will not have immediate effects.

The birth rate in Russia has remained at a similarly low level since the 1990s, when a deep social and economic crisis led to a decline in births. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic, the influx of refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, and a decrease in immigration to Russia have further exacerbated the situation.

Peskow acknowledged that increasing the birth rate is a priority for President Putin, and the government is working diligently on the issue. However, the spokesperson noted that the question of the birth rate is a global trend and requires ongoing attention.