Russia's Birth Rate Crisis: Lowest Since 1999

Russia has recorded its lowest birth rate since 1999, with births falling below 100,000 in June for the first time. This demographic decline, coupled with rising mortality, poses a significant problem for the Kremlin amidst its ongoing war in Ukraine. The government is considering emergency measures to counteract this trend.

Russia's birth rate has plunged to its lowest point since 1999, according to recent official statistics, with June seeing fewer than 100,000 births for the first time. Between January and June 2024, only 599,600 children were born—16,000 fewer than in the same period the previous year.

This decline in births, alongside an increase in mortality, presents a demographic challenge for the Kremlin, particularly as it continues its military efforts in Ukraine. Russian media reported a 6% drop in newborns in June, with the nation's population decline exacerbated by a significant rise in deaths.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the low birth rates as "catastrophic" for Russia's future, while Nina Ostanina from the Duma has called for a "special demographic operation" to address the issue, drawing a parallel to the country's military operations in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)