The COVID angle is tired.<p>There are a few interesting nuggets from the article though,<p>> <i>“[Putin has] gone as far as introducing a number of financial incentives for parents with more than one child, such as cash bonuses and favourable mortgage rates.”</i><p>Is this the best approach to policy for incentivizing population growth? Why or why not?<p>Also,<p>> <i>“Since 2014, living standards in Russia have continuously deteriorated due to economic sanctions by western powerhouses, a dependence on oil and gas, as well as corruption.”</i><p>Would be interested in learning more about this too. (A more substantial economic analysis and the potential implications perhaps.)