Russia enters into a grim reality as nearly 2,000 soldiers died in Ukraine on Monday. This death toll exceeds Russia’s average daily male birth rate, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.
According to 2022 reports, Russia averaged about 1,800 boys born each day, with around 670,200 boys born that year. Birth rates seems to steadily fall as the country faces a population crisis. The government now seeks families to have more children. It hopes this will balance losses from the war.
On efforts to combat the poverty and ensure a stable future for each family, Russia offers financial incentives to young women and new parents to boost birth rates. For example, in Chelyabinsk, the government provides up to £8,500 (about $11,000) for the first child. Female students aged 18 to 23 can receive payments to encourage childbearing, while newlyweds may get state support for their wedding-night hotel stays as a symbolic push for family life.
Some of these proposals have raised public concern. A health official recently suggested women could “consider procreation during breaks at work,” sparking mixed reactions. Another controversial proposal would allow female prisoners to gain early release if they bear children.
The high losses on the battlefield are worsening Russia’s population crisis. Monday marked the second consecutive day of record casualties, with similar losses reported on Sunday. These statistics reveal a country struggling between efforts to boost its birth rate and the heavy toll of ongoing conflict.
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