On the evening of November 28, Russian President Putin, during a meeting with young scientists at the Kremlin, unexpectedly "encouraged" them to have children. He directly asked scientists nearby if they had children, and after receiving negative answers, he emphasized, "This matter should be handled promptly."

According to Russia Today (RT), after listening to the work report by young scientist Sherkov, Putin asked, "You mentioned that you are engaged in scientific research, also manage administrative affairs, and have built a family, right? Have you had children?"

Sherkov responded, "Not yet, but we plan to have children." Putin smiled and said, "Then this matter should also be handled promptly."

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According to the Kremlin Press Service, Putin also stated on site that having children is a national priority, encouraging young elites to quickly establish families and have more children.

In fact, Putin has previously called on young people not to delay childbirth.

According to an article published on the website of Komsomolskaya Pravda on October 23, Russian President Putin chaired the first meeting of the population policy committee, where discussions focused on the declining birth rate in Russia and support for young families.

Putin pointed out that the decline in birth rates has become a common global challenge, and the first to be affected are economically developed countries, while Russia "cannot remain unaffected either."

He stated that Russia's direction is clear: to fully support the family structure as the core of society. He emphasized multiple times that families with three or more children should gradually become the norm in Russia, a natural way of life.

Putin also added that Russia will not impose any pressure on childbearing; whether to have children is entirely a personal choice. The government's responsibility is to work together so that the younger generation genuinely looks forward to the happiness of becoming parents and is confident that the country will support them when needed.

It is understood that from February 1, 2025, the childbearing subsidy in Russia will be increased to 7.3%. The subsidy for the first child will be raised to 690,000 rubles (approximately RMB 62,000), the second child's subsidy will be 217,000 rubles (approximately RMB 19,600), and the total amount of the two subsidies will reach 912,000 rubles (approximately RMB 82,500), an increase of about 80,000 rubles compared to 2024. Notably, families with a third child can receive the full subsidy at once. The funds can be used for improving housing conditions, children's education, or parents' retirement, among other purposes.

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7578777122307719695/

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