Oryol Incentivizes Schoolgirl Births Amid Demographic Crisis

In a bid to counter Russia's declining birth rate, exacerbated by significant military losses in Ukraine, the Oryol region has become the first in the country to offer financial incentives to schoolgirls who give birth. Governor Andrei Klychkov announced that girls in full-time education, including school-age girls, will receive a one-time payment of 100,000 rubles ($1,200). This policy expands an existing program that provided similar incentives to university students. The move has sparked criticism and concern, with some labeling it as an attempt to encourage teenage pregnancy. Klychkov defended the policy as a form of support for young mothers and stated it was in line with Kremlin directives to boost birth rates. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address Russia's demographic crisis, with President Vladimir Putin advocating for larger families and promoting traditional values.