Recent statistics from the Russian Ministry of Health indicate that there were 916,000 deaths in Russia during the first half of 2025. This figure is slightly lower than the same period in 2019, before the COVID pandemic. However, when considering the declining population over recent years, the mortality rate has actually increased, recording 13.1 deaths per 1,000 inhabitants at the start of 2025 compared to 12.6 per 1,000 in 2019. This rise reflects deeper demographic issues rooted in the ongoing crisis.

Moreover, while overall mortality increased by only 1% compared to 2024, the composition of deaths has shifted significantly. The mortality rate among Russians aged 15 to 59 is rising at a pace faster than that of older groups, with male mortality increasing more rapidly than female mortality. The demographic dynamics highlight a pressing concern for Russia as it deals with the long-term implications of decreasing birth rates and increasing death rates, especially among a critical segment of its workforce.

A significant portion of this mortality increase is associated with casualties from the Kremlin's military actions in Ukraine. Deaths categorized under 'other causes' likely encompass military losses, reflecting the human cost of the ongoing conflict. As Russia continues to grapple with these demographic challenges, the sustained high mortality rates could pose serious implications for the nation’s future workforce and economic stability, further exacerbating the existing crises within the country.