Interesting points raised here! I agree that economic conditions play a huge role — when people don’t feel secure about their jobs, housing, or healthcare, it’s no surprise birthrates fall. Many of Russia’s proposals feel more like control measures than real solutions. Encouraging births through pressure (like banning abortion or lowering marriage age) without fixing root problems like cost of living, quality childcare, and gender equality won't likely work.

Other countries like Hungary and Japan have tried various incentives (tax breaks, childcare support, etc.) with only limited success. It seems that unless people feel stable and hopeful, no policy—no matter how creative or forceful—can truly reverse demographic decline.

Fixing the economy, promoting family-friendly work cultures, and making parenting less punishing might help more than forcing "traditional values." And yes, maybe cultural hedonism plays a part, but that’s not the whole story. People still want families — but they need to believe it's possible first.