In an unusual move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly urged citizens to use their lunch and coffee breaks for intimate encounters as part of an effort to tackle the country's declining birth rate. According to a report by Metro, this appeal comes amid growing concerns over Russia’s fertility rate, which currently stands at 1.5 children per woman—well below the 2.1 children per woman needed for population stability.
Putin emphasized the national importance of addressing the issue, stating, "The preservation of the Russian people is our highest national priority. The fate of Russia depends on how many of us there will be. It is a question of national importance."
Russian Health Minister Yevgeny Shestopalov echoed the president's concerns, dismissing the notion that busy work schedules should be an excuse for not prioritizing procreation. He was quoted saying, “You can engage in procreation during breaks because life flies by too quickly.”
When asked how individuals working extended hours would find the time for such activities, Shestopalov responded simply, “During break times.”
The demographic crisis has been a long-standing concern for the Kremlin. Russia’s population, currently around 144 million, has been in steady decline and is projected to drop to 130 million by 2050. This looming demographic challenge has prompted a series of government measures aimed at boosting birth rates.
These measures include free fertility checks for women aged 18 to 40 in Moscow, financial incentives such as Chelyabinsk’s offer of £8,500 to female students under 24 who have their first child, and efforts to restrict access to abortion. In addition, divorce fees have been increased to discourage family breakdowns, and public figures are actively encouraging women to prioritize motherhood.
Tatyana Butskaya, a Member of Parliament, has proposed that employers monitor the birth rates among their employees, suggesting, “Each employer should look at their workplace: What is your birth rate? Do you have one more child this year from each person who can give birth?”
Politician Anna Kuznetsova has also stressed the importance of starting families early, suggesting that women begin having children at 19 or 20 to potentially have larger families. Echoing this sentiment, MP Zhanna Ryabtseva urged women to “give birth, give birth, and give birth again,” emphasizing the need to start having children at 18.
Russia’s ongoing efforts to reverse its population decline reflect the Kremlin’s growing recognition of the demographic crisis as a critical national issue.