The Head of the Republic of Mordovia, Artem Zdunov, informed President Vladimir Putin on June 6 that while mortality rates have decreased significantly in the region, birth rates remain a persistent challenge. Zdunov highlighted the disparity, noting that Mordovia ranks among the top regions in reducing mortality, including infant mortality, but struggles with increasing birth rates.

Zdunov stated, “If in terms of mortality we are among the top three regions where we managed to reduce the dynamic – the same applies to infant mortality – then in terms of birth rates, as I say, we have learned to die less, but we have not yet learned to give birth a lot.”

A report by the VTsIOM analytical center, as part of the “Futurological Congress – 2036” project, identified declining birth rates and an increasing elderly population as key demographic trends impacting Russia by 2036. The report characterized the current demographic situation in Russia as “demographic autumn,” marked by an aging population and a consistent decline in birth rates. This demographic challenge is not unique to Russia; it affects nearly every region worldwide, excluding Africa.