Expert Warns Russian Far East Faces Persistent Depopulation Crisis Despite State Efforts

Yuri Avdeev, a leading researcher at the Pacific Oceanological Institute, addressed demographic and economic challenges in the Russian Far East at a major forum. He spoke on June 9 at the International Scientific and Business Forum about the struggles facing the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD). The event focused on a new Strategy for Socio-Economic Development of the Far East until 2036, created by the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East. Avdeev highlighted that state efforts to stabilise the region’s population have failed so far. He pointed out that the depopulation trend, which began in the 1990s, persists today.

According to him, neighbouring countries have far higher population densities than the FEFD. He called the state’s demographic policy in the Far East over the past decade practically ineffective. To tackle this, he suggested paying women for domestic work and using housing as a tool to boost population growth.

Avdeev also stressed that securing funds and finding skilled personnel are the main hurdles in implementing development plans for the FEFD. The forum discussed long-term solutions for the Far East’s socio-economic future. Avdeev’s proposals aim to address both demographic decline and development obstacles. The strategy now faces the challenge of turning these ideas into action.