Russia faces a severe demographic crisis, with a dwindling domestic workforce and low birth rates, prompting the need for migrants to sustain development, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Speaking to RIA Novosti, Peskov emphasized that migration is essential for the country’s growth, given its vast territory and small population.
The situation is compounded by a fertility rate of 1.41 births per woman, well below the 2.0 replacement level, and the lowest birth numbers since the 1990s. Challenges include a legacy of demographic decline from Soviet times, Covid-19 deaths, and men fleeing the country to avoid military mobilization.
To address the issue, Russia recently passed legislation banning “child-free propaganda” to encourage higher birth rates. However, anti-migrant sentiment persists, particularly against laborers from Central Asia, despite their vital role in the economy. The Kremlin has described the population decline as “disastrous” for the nation’s future.
