Putin Urges Russians to Procreate During Work Breaks Amid Declining Birth Rate

With Russia's fertility rate at its lowest since 1999, the government introduces controversial measures to boost population growth.

Russia's birth rate has dropped to approximately 1.5 children per woman, well below the 2.1 needed for population stability.
President Vladimir Putin has suggested that citizens use lunch and coffee breaks at work for intimate relations to combat the declining birth rate.
The Kremlin has launched various initiatives, including free fertility screenings for women and financial incentives for new mothers.
Policies also include restricting access to abortion, increasing divorce fees, and encouraging early motherhood to promote larger families.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and resulting emigration have exacerbated Russia's demographic challenges, leading to higher death rates and fewer births.