- Russia’s population may halve by the century’s end, according to an Atlantic Council report.
- The Russia-Ukraine war is worsening the population decline.
- A smaller population may harm Russia’s economy, leading to worker shortages and slow growth.
Russia faces a severe demographic crisis, with projections suggesting its population could be halved by the end of the century. This decline has been worsened by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with significant troop losses and a mass exodus of people.
Currently, Russia is experiencing a worker shortage, estimated at around 5 million. To address this, the country is relying on migrant and prison labor, which may not be sustainable.
Experts warn that the shrinking population could lead to decreased economic growth and productivity, possibly causing Russia’s economy to lag behind others like Indonesia. Analysts suggest that the Kremlin may have recognized the demographic challenges before the war, but their aggressive military actions have only exacerbated the crisis.
Overall, Russia’s economic situation is fragile, compounded by the costs of the war and deteriorating international relations.
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