Russia's population set to shrink by a quarter, secret reports reveal
Photo: Due to the war, Russia's population will decline by a quarter in 50 years (Getty Images)
In the next 50 years, Russia's population will decline by 25%, according to demographic forecasts. The main reason is the war, which has already cost Russia more than a million citizens, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
“The consequences of the war for the aggressor - Russia is expected to see a 25% decline in population. According to confidential demographic reports in Russian document circulation, the population of the aggressor state could decline by at least 25% in the next 50 years,” the intelligence report said.
Russian enterprises are already experiencing a labor shortage, and vocational and technical education institutions are lacking students.
The most depressing demographic trends are recorded in the far eastern regions of the state, from where the Kremlin sent most of the men to war.
The intelligence report notes that during the hostilities, Russia lost more than a million soldiers, both killed and wounded, most of whom were men aged 20 to 35, who form the basis of the demographic pyramid.
“In order to slow down the crisis in demographics and the economy, Russian officials are proposing to more actively involve migrant workers. They are also being actively recruited to participate in the criminal war,” the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense added.
According to Rosstat data, from January to May 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the population of Russia decreased by 430,300 people.
Despite the rapid decline in the Russian population, more than 70% of Russians support the war with Ukraine, according to recent survey data.
Only 16% of the Russian population is against the war, while two-thirds of Russian citizens want peace talks.
