russia Is Short of More than 2.6 Million Workers

Against the background of the full-scale war against Ukraine and the record low birth rate, russia is facing an increasing shortage of labor resources. According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, russian companies need 2.6 million employees – by 17 % more than last year. The shortage is most acute in manufacturing, trade and logistics. At the same time, in June, the number of active vacancies decreased by 27 %, while the number of resumes increased by the same percentage.

Structural imbalances are forcing the authorities to take unconventional steps. The State Duma has already approved the expansion of forced labor for those convicted of minor crimes. Today, more than 14,000 workers from the DPRK are already employed at the enterprises in the rf. Besides, the government plans to attract one million migrants from India by the end of 2025.

Note. The staff shortage is a direct consequence of the demographic decline. In 2024, only 1.222 million children were born in the rf – an anti-record since 1999. The total birth rate fell to 1.399 – the lowest in the last 18 years. The UN forecasts that by the end of the 21st century, russia may lose up to 40 million people, while the annual natural decline will reach 500-700 thousand people.

Despite the kremlin’s official statements about supporting the birth rate, the reality shows a deep crisis. More and more russians consciously refuse parenthood because of the war, instability, and economic risks.