Russia is speeding into a demographic crisis with a 25-year-low birth rate as the Ukraine war rages on

Children attend a school ceremony in St. Petersburg, Russia. (Credit: Irina Motina—Xinhua/Getty Images)

The Russian population is shrinking at an alarming rate, which could change the fabric of its society. 

The country recorded its lowest birth rate in the past 25 years for the first six months of 2024, according to official data published in September. Births in Russia also declined for the first time in June to below 100,000.