Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed the development of alternatives to adult content, urging for content that is more “engaging and passionate” to capture public interest.
In an interview with Russia Today, Putin said that porn consumption is prevalent all over the world. He described it as a widespread issue that extends beyond Russia. “Pornographic websites are visited globally. This is not a problem unique to us. It concerns the entire world,” he said.
Putin advocates for alternative content
While acknowledging that imposing bans on such content is one possible approach, the Russian leader said the importance of offering more appealing substitutes. “Instead of simply resorting to bans, we should think of providing alternatives, something more exciting and meaningful than what is currently available on such platforms,” Putin added.
The comments have drawn attention in the context of Russia’s ongoing efforts to address its declining birth rate. The country’s fertility rate, which stands at around 1.5 children per woman, remains significantly lower than the 2.1 children required to maintain population stability.
Suggestions to tackle declining birth rate
To tackle the challenge, Putin has also made headlines with unconventional suggestions. According to reports, he encouraged Russians to prioritse sexual activity during their lunch and coffee breaks at work as a means to boost fertility.
Apart from these remarks, the Kremlin has rolled out initiatives to promote reproductive health. In Moscow, women aged 18 to 40 are being offered free fertility screenings to help evaluate their potential for conception, as part of broader measures to address the demographic crisis.
During the annual news press conference, Putin said that Russia’s military operation in Ukraine has strengthened the country and its military capability is now the strongest globally. He also dismissed Western claims that NATO’s air defense could intercept Russia’s hypersonic ballistic missile and challenged Western countries to protect Kyiv.
