Putin urged Russians to engage in sexual relations during break times at work to increase the birth rate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has put forward an unusual proposal to combat the declining birth rates in his country. The Putin administration is working on a plan that encourages citizens to engage in sexual relations at work and during breaks.

This controversial idea emerged after many Russian citizens reported that they do not have enough time and energy for relationships after work. An official from the Ministry of Health defends the plan as a way to "eliminate weak excuses."

Putin emphasized that Russia's future depends on population growth, describing the issue as "a matter of national importance." In this regard, employers have been instructed to encourage their employees to have children.

Free fertility checks are being offered to women aged 18-40 in Moscow. In some regions, cash rewards are given to students who give birth. For example, in the Chelyabinsk region, mothers under 24 receive approximately £8,500 for their first child.

Russian politicians are encouraging women to become mothers at a young age. Some officials suggest that women should give birth to their first child before the age of 21 and then establish large families.

However, Russia's current fertility rate is 1.5 children per woman, which is well below the 2.1 rate considered necessary for a stable population. Estimates suggest that the country's population of 144 million could fall below 130 million by 2050.

Critics attribute the declining birth rates to Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The loss of many Russian soldiers in the war has shattered families and deterred young couples from starting families.

This controversial proposal is seen as one of the radical steps Russia is taking to find a solution to its population crisis. However, questions remain about the plan's effectiveness and societal acceptance.