Part 9/11:
Furthermore, the Kremlin's reliance on non-ethnic Russians in recruitment efforts for the war introduces another layer to the demographic puzzle. While migrants from Central Asia may serve in the military, they too represent a demographic shift that could ultimately dilute the ethnic Russian population, raising questions about national identity and legacy.
Future Projections
If current trends continue, projections are grim. By 2050, Russia's population could drop by nearly 15 million, while estimates for 2100 range from 112 million to as low as 74 million—an alarming reduction from the current census. As Russia ages, the implications for care of the elderly become dire, especially given a shrinking working-age population.