Russia has moved to classify key demographic statistics following a dramatic collapse in its birth rate, which has plunged to levels not seen since the late 18th or early 19th century, according to a leading Russian demographer.
For decades, Russia has been experiencing a plunging birth rate and population decline, which appears to have worsened amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine—with high casualty rates and men fleeing the country to avoid being conscripted to fight.
Projections estimate that Russia’s population will fall to about 132 million in the next two decades. The United Nations has predicted that in a worst-case scenario, by the start of the next century, Russia’s population could almost halve to 83 million.
We should be wary of making blanket statements like that. That way fascism lies. The only thing that’s horribly wrong with Russian “culture” at the moment is the desire to subjugate Ukraine, and by extension, any desire to do the same to other countries once that’s done.
Everyone in Russia who doesn’t share that particular world view is keeping their head down - or, as this article implies, refusing to breed with those of that world view. Or else, for reasons related to the fact that those of that world view exist.
Should they rise up and topple the oligarchy? Easier said than done. It takes courage the average person (Russian or otherwise) doesn’t have. And Putin is skilled at making people and their families suffer if they step out of line.
All the other problems Russia has exist at least in part in other countries not allied with them. Should those countries also pack up and die?
This isn’t Russia apology. I firmly believe they need to quit this needless war, bring their troops home and stay the heck out of Ukraine until trust can be regained. That might take centuries but the first step is an easy one.
No, ruzies are complicit and deserve no sympathy. The lack of any resistance or even acknowledgement is unseen in contemporary history.