Ukraine has attacked a major refinery in Syzran – Russian losses

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Ukrainian drones are reported to have attacked a large Russian oil refinery in the city of Syzran in Samara oblast during the night. Read more at Kyiv Independent, watch a video here.

Russian losses

  • 1320 KWIA
  • 4 Tanks
  • 6 AFVs
  • 53 Artillery systems
  • 4 MLRS
  • 2034 UAVs
  • 15 UGVs
  • 428 vehicles & fuel tanks
  • 5 Special equipment
  • 2 Cruise missiles

Ukrainian General Staff report

  • 260 combat clashes
  • 88 aviation strikes
  • 244 KAB/CAB
  • 8,866 kamikaze drones
  • 3,062 shelling (44 from MLRS)

SLAVA UKRAINI

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101 thoughts on “Ukraine has attacked a major refinery in Syzran – Russian losses”

    1. MXT

      He has been one of the Republicans who actually tried to support Ukraine.

      ** U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said on July 10 that he had reached an agreement with the White House on a Russia sanctions bill, potentially clearing the way for the long-stalled measure to advance.

      “We’ve reached an agreement with the White House on a version of the Russia sanctions bill that they will support,” Graham told reporters during a visit to Kyiv.

      The sanctions package, spearheaded by Graham, a Republican, and Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, “would give tools to President (Donald) Trump to help end this war,” the lawmaker said. **
      https://kyivindependent.com/us-senator-claims-white-house-backing-for-russia-sanctions-bill/

          2. SneakyPete

            Do you need to be conspiratorially minded??? That is, how many will NOT at least consider the thought.

            Next question, will it even be possible to refrain from investigating? Is it the FBI that will investigate the suspected murder of a statesman?

    1. Lasse W

      As I understand it, it is smaller Russian shallow-draft feeder tankers that load and unload from larger tankers. And that can go up the Russian rivers for a bit. The shadow fleet is something else.

      1. Proxima

        Correct. The riverboats are about 4,500 tons. Both tankers and dry cargo ships. Specially built to handle the locks in the Volga and other major rivers. Most have Russian flags, so no shadow ships.

  6. MXT

    ** 🇺🇦Kharkiv Direction: The most concerning situation is in the Kozacha Lopan area. According to available information, the enemy is making tactical advances along Zaliznichna Street and Teatralny Lane. Further progress in this area could allow the occupiers to reach the railway station area directly, which would significantly complicate the defense of the settlement and create additional threats for our soldiers.

    🇺🇦That is why this area requires special attention! If effective measures are not taken in the near future to restrain the enemy and stabilize the situation, the enemy’s tactical advance could escalate into a more serious problem, leading to further expansion of their control.

    🇺🇦Muchnoy ✙ Jugend |**
    https://bsky.app/profile/babayagafella.bsky.social/post/3mqgf4ied2s2a

     

  8. MXT


    Usually around this time of year, the hotels are fully booked and the beaches packed on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula. But this year, nothing is as usual. This summer, there is a shortage of tourists, fuel, and food supplies in Crimea following massive Ukrainian attacks during the spring, reports Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.


    At the beginning of the summer, Ukrainian forces attacked almost all the bridges connecting Crimea to the mainland, while drone attacks have intensified. Several tourists who traveled to the popular resorts by car had difficulty getting home due to fuel shortages. At the same time, Russian tourists are postponing booking trips because there is widespread fear of attacks.


    A Crimea-based YouTuber posted a vlog earlier this week showing the empty beaches.


    – It is completely empty. I would have liked to show you more people, but unfortunately, there aren’t that many, he says in the video.

    https://omni.se/forsatt-kris-pa-krym-strander-och-hotell-ekar-tomma/a/6qW8mW

  9. Pehr

    Russia manipulates official economic statistics, and inflation is at least twice as high as the country reports.
    “Our assessment is that it is in very poor condition,” says Military Intelligence Chief Thomas Nilsson about Russia’s economy.
    Read about:
    ✔ Russia’s change: “More aggressive”
    ✔ Putin’s wishful thinking
    ✔ The 10,000-kronor question: “I would hire you immediately”
    ✔ Corruption: “A big, big problem”
    Updated: July 12, 2026, 09:22
    Published: July 12, 2026, 09:12

    Johan Wendel
    Text

    Jack Mikrut
    Photo
    If you are to believe the official Russian statistics agency Rosstat, Russia’s GDP has grown by an average of about 3 percent per year from 2023 to 2025. The head of the Military Intelligence and Security Service, Must, does not put much stock in those figures.

    “You should believe official Russian financial statistics as little as you should believe official Russian election statistics,” says Lieutenant General Thomas Nilsson in an interview with Di.

    “Our assessment is that it is in very poor condition. It is getting worse and worse,” he continues about Russia’s economy.

    Must’s estimate is that the economy has actually shrunk by 3 percent per year on average since 2023. The Russian statistics agency Rosstat further claims that inflation in May amounted to 5.3 percent annually.

    Advertisement
    According to Must’s assessment, the actual inflation in Russia is at least twice as high.

    THIS IS MUST

    The Military Intelligence and Security Service, Must, leads intelligence and security within the Armed Forces.

    Must’s task is, among other things, to support the government and the Supreme Commander with knowledge and to warn if the threat picture has changed.

    From January 1, 2027, certain parts of Must’s operations will move to the new civilian agency, the Swedish Foreign Intelligence Service, Und.

    It is not a pretty picture that the Must chief paints when describing Russia’s economic situation.

    “There is an imbalance in the entire financial system. Some parts, often strongly linked to the military-industrial complex, are running at full speed. There is a labor shortage that drives up wages and inflation.”

    “And there are cost increases because they cannot access all raw materials due to sanctions. And then there are other parts of the business sector that are idling,” says Thomas Nilsson.

    “It is not a good business idea to produce military equipment that is then destroyed and rusts away on the battlefield in Ukraine. They basically have no foreign investments. No one is eager to invest in the Russian business sector.”

    One of Russia’s bad options is to start the printing presses, says Thomas Nilsson.
    One of Russia’s bad options is to start the printing presses, says Thomas Nilsson. Photo: Janerik Henriksson/TT
    Must’s operations are surrounded by secrecy, and the intelligence service bases its assessments on various types of sources, both open and secret. Thomas Nilsson mentions nighttime light activity as an example of a method that can be used to study Russia’s economy.

    “Then you see that there is very low activity and that it is these military-industrial complexes that stand out, running at full speed.”

    When will Russia’s economy reach a breaking point?
    “That is the 10,000-kronor question. If you had a good answer to that, I would hire you immediately. It is very difficult to say,” says Thomas Nilsson and continues:

    “What we have concluded is that Russia has no good options. There is only the plague or cholera. They can start the printing presses and print more money, but that comes with negative consequences like inflation. They can tax the population harder and confiscate savings. But that is not good for morale.”

    “We see that the financial system in Russia is partly maintained with support from China. With the help of Chinese banks, they can circumvent sanctions and utilize income from their oil and gas exports.”

    Russian cyberattacks are a threat to Sweden.
    Russian cyberattacks are a threat to Sweden. Photo: Lev Dolgachov
    How do you assess that corruption in Russia has developed since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine?
    “Corruption is a big, big problem. My assessment is that Russian society and industry lose some efficiency due to corruption problems. Scandals are occasionally uncovered, linked among other things to the military-industrial complex. I believe it is deeply rooted in the Russian social fabric.”

    The Must chief describes the Russian military capability that existed at the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as “destroyed” – but that Russia has managed to rebuild, and even expand, its military forces.

    “We must not forget that while we rightly praise and admire Ukraine’s innovations, Russia has also developed. They are not far behind Ukraine in terms of lessons learned. So they have not only increased their military forces’ scope, but also developed their warfare,” says Thomas Nilsson.

    “But that means they have taken a lot, not least ground forces, and moved them from our part of Europe to Ukraine. However, there are naval and air forces and tactical nuclear forces in our vicinity.”

    “They have their special forces that engage in intelligence gathering but also have the ability to carry out sabotage. And then they have their cyberattack resources that can also affect us.”

    Russia has plotted to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall.
    Russia has plotted to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall. Photo: Vadim Ghirda/AP
    You mentioned special forces that have the ability to carry out sabotage. Is sabotage being carried out?
    “It is in Russia’s interest to hide a bit who is doing what. But we have seen it, and other countries have also testified to it. We have seen incidents in the Baltics that the Baltic authorities link to Russian special forces. So we have definitely seen that,” says the Must chief and mentions cyberattacks as an example as well.

    “But we also have assassination plans against German business representatives that German authorities have discovered,” says Thomas Nilsson.

    CNN has reported that Russia planned to assassinate several top executives in the European defense industry, with the most advanced plan targeting the German defense giant Rheinmetall’s CEO Armin Papperger.

    “I cannot confirm if that is the case, but I have seen the reporting and that he is an example pointed out,” says Thomas Nilsson.

    “We do not believe that Russia wants a military confrontation with NATO,” says Thomas Nilsson. The picture shows NATO chief Mark Rutte during a meeting with Donald Trump.
    “We do not believe that Russia wants a military confrontation with NATO,” says Thomas Nilsson. The picture shows NATO chief Mark Rutte during a meeting with Donald Trump. Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP
    The Must chief states that Russia has for a long time considered itself to be in a “strategic conflict” with the West.

    “We do not believe that Russia wants a military confrontation with NATO. A united NATO with its military strength, Russia cannot handle,” says Thomas Nilsson and continues:

    “The Western world, with NATO and the EU, managed to be fairly united when Russia attacked Ukraine. I think that surprised Moscow somewhat. I think they had an image that we were much more divided.”

    However, Russia could test, for example, NATO’s and the EU’s unity through its so-called hybrid warfare, notes Thomas Nilsson.

    “That opens up more tools that Russia could use,” he says.

    “I believe Putin’s wishful thinking is a divided Europe.”
    “I believe Putin’s wishful thinking is a divided Europe.” Photo: Jack Mikrut (Di)
    “We have seen a change in how Russia uses these tools during the past six months. They have chosen to both communicate and act more aggressively and riskily towards us and our allies in NATO and the EU. They adapt their methods based on what they want to achieve and what vulnerabilities they see in the one they want to influence.”

    “The actions can be both low-intensity and high-intensity, from strategic communication and political influence to violence and sabotage. So far, Russia has mainly targeted the Baltics and Poland, but the same tools can be used against Sweden,” continues Thomas Nilsson.

    Through their actions, Russia could sow doubt in Western countries about whether it is worth spending 3.5 percent of GDP on military defense.

    “I believe Putin’s wishful thinking is a divided Europe where they can handle countries in small portions or individually,” concludes Thomas Nilsson.
    https://www.di.se/mobil/nyheter/spionchefen-domer-ut-rysk-ekonomi/

    1. 205

      👍 says that Russia is not far behind in development. As Johan has pointed out. However, says nothing about capability building around the Baltics / Finland. But more and more people have started talking about that.

    2. MXT

      Interesting reading! 👍

      Even though I believe that hybrid warfare is the greatest threat, one would have wished that the military threat (against the Baltics) was taken more seriously as well. Now, it is not mentioned at all.

      Maybe they wanted to keep it more focused on the threats specifically against Sweden, but if it hits the Baltics, we will be drawn in.

  10. 205

    Reduced overall Russian pressure with lower pressure in several sectors, but up in Pokrovsk to a very high pressure. Kramatorsk, which otherwise has not made much noise, often around 0 to a few attacks in recent months, has increased in the last days and is now at a noticeable pressure. At the same time, the Ukrainian unlocalized pressure increased, which is therefore an offensive, not defensive behavior. Ratio close to 1 where the number of Ukrainian attacks is as many as the Russian ones. A stable pressure clearly above the support at 100 (or if it should be higher).

    N Slobozhansky 3↗️, S Slobozhansky 8↘️, Kupyansk 4↗️, Lyman 11💥↘️, Slovyansk 23💥↘️, Kramatorsk 10💥↗️, Kostjantynivka 19💥, Pokrovsk 44💥💥💥↗️, Oleksandrivskij 3, Huliaipole 13💥↘️, Orikhivsk 0, Prydniprovskij 0,

    Localized 138↘️, Unloc. 122↗️, Total 260, R. unloc./loc. 0.9↗️.

    1. johan No.1

      He was probably the driving force behind opposing Trump and pushing through sanctions against RU?

      Quite interesting in itself that RU dares.

      Then again, a heart attack or stroke at home is never a Russian murder, and with Trump’s administration, there was certainly less willingness to point fingers.

        1. SneakyPete

          Answer YES to all of your (rhetorical) questions above!

          Now one wonders, can even US authorities refrain from investigating or alternatively stop an investigation in the circular file?

      2. Pehr

        He has been one of the few Ukraine supporters close to the administration but at the same time a very loyal politician and has not wanted to hold the vote before securing the president’s blessing, which as is well known has been delayed. Now, however, it seemed that he had finally received it and then he happens to pass away.
        Hate coincidence.

            1. maggan

              Yes, I do not question that he has been and met Zelenskyy, only that the picture with the thumbs up was very Trump-like.

              He seemed to be a true friend of Ukraine who unfortunately has passed away. I hope his legacy with sanctions can still be voted through.

  16. johan No.1

    I can’t find particularly much but I’m sitting and looking at the timeline and Graham met Zelensky on Friday during the day, after which he went straight home to Washington.

    If we just guess – done with Zelensky around lunch, over to Rzeszow by train and then directly on the flight to the USA?

    The trip to Rzeszow is 10-12 hours, then an hour or two in Rzeszow and what, 11-12 hours flight time to Washington?

    He is on the flight to the USA before midnight Polish time and back in the USA 11-12 hours later which would then be Saturday morning in DC?

    On “Saturday evening” he suddenly passes away, the call came in at 20:27.

    12+14 = 28 hours at most from when he was in an environment where he theoretically could have been exposed to something.

    When the meeting with Zelensky was finished is of course of interest and when he left Rzeszow, I’m just guessing the whole timeline except when he died.

    Timewise it is well within the window for the different poisons that Russia actively uses, Novichok which is a bit of a modern classic has the time directly linked to the dose and the Russians use it whenever window throwing is not preferable.

    Enough for reasonable suspicion to exist so that tests and investigation are followed up at least?

    RU has more than just Novichok but if you test it should be possible to find?

    We at least know that Ukraine or Israel did not want him gone and that he had just pushed through the sanctions from hell for Russia and actively tries to give them interceptors. Iran is probably the next candidate maybe but Russia has motive, tools and opportunity since they operate freely throughout Europe evidently.

     

     

     

     

    1. SneakyPete

      Isn’t it extremely time-critical to find traces of novitjock and similar.

      Another method is to interview everyone around him, did he manage to tell about anything different?

      1. johan No.1

        Yes, it is, and you have to look for special markers otherwise it looks like a natural heart attack.

        It’s important that the FBI is quick on the ball 😀

  18. johan No.1

    It will be interesting to see this week –

    -will there be a Russian influence operation that proves Zelensky murdered him?

    -will the FBI open a criminal investigation?

    -did he die of natural causes (which cannot be ruled out without a lot of special tests that take time).

    1. SneakyPete

      Haha, it was probably him who is in prison for blowing up the gas pipeline, it will probably turn out that he had leave yesterday.

      Does the FBI make that public in that case? The boss had detention for 8 hours at the White House the other day where he had to write down “I will bully NYT 100k times.” IF a middle manager dares to start an investigation, isn’t it done quietly then!?

      Special tests are probably extremely urgent, so if scared bosses at the FBI wait a few hours, they can avoid a lot of trouble.

      1. johan No.1

        Not really sure how it works in the USA but that Kash Patel is a big Russia hater we know is true.

        Doesn’t really prevent the FBI from investigating and it would probably get out to the media if they weren’t allowed?

        1. SneakyPete

          But when things are set in stone, things CANNOT happen by themselves. It’s enough, as I said, to wait that little extra time so that the novice thick doesn’t trigger on the test… easily happens while the middle manager is sitting and wondering what the uber boss wants.

  19. johan No.1

    Just so you know, that damn package for Russia was going to be voted through after Graham came back from Ukraine if I understand this correctly.

    This is going to be interesting to follow, to say the least 😲

    1. MXT

      Agree, it will definitely be interesting to see if they follow up on it properly and what they might find in that case. His father passed away due to a heart attack at the age of 69, and in some places it is mentioned that he had chest pains before he passed away, possibly genetic.

      1. johan No.1

        Occam’s razor usually works well, and then the FBI (in this case, presumably) should investigate whether there is suspicion of a crime. The timeline, the questions he has raised, and the Russian modus operandi are enough to establish that. We all already know that Russia kills inconvenient people.

        Now, of course, no one can say naturally – murder before it has been investigated, so therefore I remain silent, just trying to sort out the facts 😀

        With EUROCLEAR, it quickly became clear why they delayed stealing the frozen Russian funds, and it happened in Poland, so there are many who could leak to the media. Then it is extremely embarrassing for Poland IF it was a murder, so they might try to cover it up?

        —

        There is one more aspect to this – the signal it sends to others in decision-making positions, so it will also be very interesting to see how the vote goes; at least one vote for the proposal is gone 😀

        1. SneakyPete

          The problem is probably “relation to a foreign power” and especially certain gentlemen’s own gain.
          BUT I see two advantages
          1. I believe the package will be passed now
          2. Even though I can hardly believe it myself… but what if… T starts to realize that Ukraine is the winner AND at the same time a scandal breaks out about someone suspected of murdering the biggest Russia-hater. THEN T can mobilize an external threat just in time for the elections

          There are many ways this can go

        1. MXT

          It is of course an indication, but at the same time it is not uncommon for heart problems to arise suddenly, especially as one gets older. 

          Extreme heat, for example, increases the risk, but also jet lag/disrupted circadian rhythm, and in this case he traveled twice within a few days.

    2. johan No.1

      It is fun to see the entire German narrative play out now in 2026 as reality outruns Russia.

      First, the maps have started to diverge from each other, formal Russian staff maps vs. our OSINT. The difference is enormous right now.

      Then the constant threats, wunderwaffen, map warfare in the bunker, and the situation in Russia.

      It is a joy to see.

    1. 205

      He believes that Lindsey was part of the establishment Republicans in the fight against the Trump supporters, but that he increasingly leaned towards Trump.

  24. 205

    Wagner PMC has turned into a drug cartel after Prigozhin’s death

    The new Wagner fighters have firmly established themselves in the Central African Republic, where no one can reach them. According to The Wall Street Journal, their base is located near the upper reaches of the Ubangi River.

    Their main source of income has become the trade in tramadol — a powerful painkiller that is used in large doses as a cheap stimulant.

    In addition, the mercenaries control gold mining and other resources in the CAR — one of the poorest and most unstable countries in the world.

    Analysts estimate that illegal gold trading could bring Wagner fighters around $180 million a year.

    After Prigozhin’s death, the Kremlin took control of many of the group’s operations, but in the Central African Republic this proved more difficult. Hundreds of former Wagner fighters retained their influence and became integrated into local security structures.

      1. 205

        Definitely Ebolaland. Even though it is a bit away from the current outbreak further east in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Wagnerites are located only about 300 kilometers west from the Ebola River, named after the Ebola outbreak in 1976.

  25. 205

    Offtopic

    “The bicycle is a slow death for the planet.” It was with exactly that provocative statement that a certain banker once surprised economists. His words sounded sharp and ironic, but they forced reflection. “The cyclist is a real disaster for the country’s economy. He doesn’t buy a car and doesn’t take out loans to pay for it. He doesn’t take out insurance. He doesn’t buy fuel. He doesn’t pay for inspections, maintenance, or repairs. He doesn’t need paid parking. He rarely causes serious accidents. He doesn’t demand the construction of more highways. And worst of all — he helps people stay healthy and not gain weight. A healthy citizen is almost worthless to the economic system. He doesn’t buy medicine. He doesn’t fill hospitals or clinics. He doesn’t increase GDP with his illnesses. Economically, he is almost ‘invisible.’ Meanwhile, each new McDonald’s creates at least thirty jobs: ten cardiologists, ten dentists, ten dietitians and nutrition specialists… and of course employees at the restaurant itself. And then a sharp question arises: what do you choose — bicycle or McDonald’s? It’s worth thinking about. Because behind this paradox lies a bitter truth: in a world where health does not always drive the economy, being healthy is almost a revolutionary act. And by the way — walking is even worse. Pedestrians don’t even buy bicycles. 🚶‍♂️🚲 after Kawa z mlekiem

    https://x.com/darekbrzoza/status/2076253521503002753?s=46

     

    The Old Man buys a lot of alcohol but walks and stays healthy.

  29. johan No.1

    Sitting and reviewing Lindsay Graham’s position on Russia, and he has actually been pushing against them since the start of the war.

    1. Pehr

      Yep.
      Quick work.
      U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died of a ruptured aorta due to arteriosclerosis. This is according to a preliminary medical examination, his office reports via AP.
      An ambulance was called to Graham’s home in Washington DC on Saturday, the day after he returned from a visit to Kyiv. He was 71 years old.
      https://omni.se/a/RjKqv8

  33. Pehr

    The Armed Forces are starting a new “combat lab” this summer where soldiers will develop their own technical solutions to problems they encounter in combat, reports TT. The program includes 28 participants who, over five weeks, combine military service with technology development.
    The initiative is inspired by experiences from Ukraine, where soldiers and defense companies have collaborated closely during the war against Russia.
    – We have learned from Ukraine, says the head Jakob Blomqvist, who will lead the operation.
    The combat lab is part of an international trend where several countries have started similar programs.
    https://omni.se/a/8pOWOw

  34. Pehr

    Putin’s Baby Boom: An Army to Be Born
    A baby in the arms against a million rubles in the bank. This is how Russia wants to solve the worst population crisis in 200 years – and secure access to soldiers for future wars. SvD meets Russian women who have listened to Putin.
    Gunilla von Hall
    Published 05:38

    S:T PETERSBURG/MOSCOW Anna looks tenderly at her son Mark in the stroller. Complications arose during birth, the boy needed resuscitation and stayed in the hospital for three weeks. Now he is seven months old – and soon about 130,000 kronor will be deposited into her account. The amount is paid by the Russian state to the new mother.
    This is one of Russia’s ways to solve the shortage of childbirth. Money for all first-time mothers. Now schoolgirls are also encouraged to become pregnant.
    – Actually, I didn’t want to have children. But now I am happy and the money will be needed.
    Anna walks with SvD’s correspondent in a leafy park in St. Petersburg. She describes the financial situation as tight. The 31-year-old runs a ceramics workshop and takes care of her mother. Her husband Nikolaj does not earn much as a waiter.
    Soon she will receive the payment from the state because she has given birth. A considerable amount compared to her monthly salary, which corresponds to about 6,500 kronor. What is here called “maternity capital” was previously paid out at the second child. But from 2025 it will be given to first-time mothers to stimulate more childbirth.
    The grant has limits: It can only be used to improve living conditions through contributions to rent, house repairs, the child’s education, or the mother’s pension savings.
    – I know exactly what I will do with the money, says Anna.
    The war affects childbirth

    In 2015, childbirth in Russia began to decline. The reason was an “echo” from the turbulent 1990s. During the deep economic and social crisis that followed the fall of the Soviet Union, the number of births halved – and the few born then are now of fertile age. Fewer adults of fertile age means fewer children are born today.
    “The money will be needed,” says Russian Anna who will soon receive a million rubles from the state for giving birth to her son Mark.
    “The money will be needed,” says Russian Anna who will soon receive a million rubles from the state for giving birth to her son Mark. Photo: Elena Chernyshova
    Although Russia is not unique in this issue, several factors affect it here.
    With the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of Russian men are estimated to have died in the war. The Russian independent site Mediazona has names of around 230,000 Russians who died in the fighting. According to British intelligence, it is nearly half a million fallen. One million Russian men also left the country when the war started and Putin introduced limited mobilization.
    Today’s economic crisis, which SvD has reported on, also means many are delaying having children.
    Alcohol is another reason men disappear: over 145,000 Russian men are reported to die every year due to alcohol abuse. Immigration from the post-Soviet states, which contributed to childbirth, has also decreased dramatically over the past 20 years.
    Today, Russia’s childbirth rate is at a historic low with about 1.4 children per woman. It is the lowest figure in 200 years, and far below the 2.1 children required for a stable population. This means that one generation is replaced by a new one of the same size.
    Over the next 20 years, today’s 146 million inhabitants are feared to decrease by over ten million, according to the Russian statistics bureau Rosstat.
    Anna is therefore a typical example of Russian women Vladimir Putin wants to reach to change what is here called “catastrophic childbirth.”
    Putin: “Have ten children”

    The shortage of newborns has become one of the most central topics of conversation in Russia. It is noticeable when SvD is on site.
    – Everyone talks about it. The child crisis. Future soldiers. But who wants to have children when we are in the middle of a war?
    This says a 28-year-old Russian woman who does not want to give her name because she uses the word war, instead of the special military operation that the regime still calls the war.
    Russian authorities have begun sponsoring sperm banks for soldiers and provide soldier families with free IVF treatments.
    Russian authorities have begun sponsoring sperm banks for soldiers and provide soldier families with free IVF treatments. Photo: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP
    President Putin has made childbirth a “national priority.” The Kremlin talks about a “threatening catastrophe” for the nation’s future. In a video speech, Putin has urged Russian women to have at least eight children and make early childbirth the norm in society.
    He emphasizes “traditional family values,” and has said that a woman’s purpose is to “continue the lineage.” He has also revived the Soviet-era highly ranked title “Hero Mother.” It is given to women who have given birth to at least ten children – then they receive extra grants of 130,000 kronor and a medal.
    Just over a year ago, Russia’s health minister encouraged Russians to “engage in reproduction during work breaks.” Psychotherapy for women who do not want children has been approved to “promote a positive attitude towards motherhood.”
    Behind the pressure and the golden rain, there is said to be a larger strategy: the Kremlin is believed to want to secure a future army.
    In many parts of Russia, efforts are now being made to meet the Kremlin’s demands. At least 27 Russian regions have introduced extra grants to students under 25 who give birth. Some give the grant to schoolgirls who are 18 years or younger. There is no lower age limit.
    One example is the Karelia region, where the authorities on their website show a student said to be under 25 years old. A large picture on the site shows a smiling young woman. Long rye-blond hair, red lipstick, and a black leather jacket. She holds a newborn baby in her arms.
    According to the site, the grant including the maternity capital equivalent to 130,000 kronor has been deposited into her account, and via a link, other pregnant women are encouraged to apply for the extra grant.
    Criticism of teenage pregnancies

    Now protests are increasing. Critics argue that the grants encourage teenage pregnancies, something Russia has tried to reduce for several years. The consequence is that girls choose to forego education and stay home with children before they are barely of legal age. Many risk becoming single parents with social and economic problems.
    There are also people in the Kremlin circle who have spoken critically. One of them is 30-year-old Duma member Ksenia Goryatjeva, who spoke in the Duma in April last year:
    – Children giving birth to children is not a heroic act, it is a tragedy. We should not use children’s naivety as a way to correct our demographic statistics. This is dangerous propaganda for all of us.
    Her statement and criticism of state policy received great attention in both Russian and international media but has not led to any change.
    More and more focus is directed at the link between the demographic crisis and the war. Authorities publish pictures of newborns with military caps lined up in hospital wards. A Russian influencer spreads pictures of fetuses in the womb next to children in military uniform and the text: “Protect me today – so I can defend you tomorrow.”
    Authorities have begun sponsoring sperm banks for soldiers and provide soldier families with free IVF treatments. The number of women using sperm from fallen men to have children is increasing.
    Russia now wants to secure access to soldiers for future wars.
    Russia now wants to secure access to soldiers for future wars. Photo: Pavel Golovkin/AP
    In November 2024, a controversial law was passed.
    Positive statements about childfree lives are now classified as propaganda in Russia and labeled by authorities as part of a Western hybrid war. The penalty extends up to 50,000 kronor. The law received unanimous support in the Russian Duma where Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said that the young must be protected from ideologies about childlessness on the internet, in media, and advertising.
    – Have children, that is what applies, said Volodin.
    Criticism: “Brutal brainwashing”

    SvD meets teacher Natasha at a restaurant in St. Petersburg. She is 38 years old and has no children.
    – What is the Kremlin really thinking? They believe that screws, brainwashing, and promises of millions can force us women to give birth. It is brutal and ineffective. What we need is stable incomes and a country at peace, she says.
    She does not rule out that she herself wants to have children.
    – But then it is stable economy in a country without war that decides, not the pressure from the Kremlin. I do not want my husband or a future son to be mobilized.
    But what attracts the most attention is something else.
    The Soviet Union was the first in the world to legalize abortion in 1920. For a period, the country had the highest number of abortions per woman in the world.
    Now abortion rights are being restricted as a way to solve the population crisis. Many private abortion clinics have been forced to close, and in some regions, free abortion at public hospitals has disappeared. The morning-after pill has been withdrawn or become extremely difficult to obtain. The Russian Orthodox Church is a driving force behind what is happening.
    According to new state guidelines to doctors and healthcare staff in Russia, a number of arguments must be given to women who want an abortion. Among them that “pregnancy is the most important phase in a woman’s life,” that children receive free school lunches, and that mothers can get favorable loans and tax benefits, according to the independent Russian news site Vertska.
    Doctors who perform or allow abortions are harassed, according to Human Rights Watch. In Moscow, there are groups that secretly go around hospitals to check if doctors encourage pregnant women to have abortions. The doctors are reported to the authorities and risk fines. The groups’ actions take place in secret but are sanctioned by the regime, according to observers.
    Forced to listen to heartbeat sounds

    Anastasia is in her thirteenth week and under the white blouse, the belly begins to grow. She has long dark hair and speaks in an almost whispering voice. It would not have gone this far, she says when we meet in her small one-room apartment in Moscow.
    Anastasia wanted to have an abortion – but changed her mind.
    Anastasia wanted to have an abortion – but changed her mind. Photo: Elena Chernyshova
    Anastasia came to the hospital when she was six weeks pregnant for a planned abortion. She is single but has had a temporary relationship – which ended with an unplanned pregnancy.
    – What a shock. I have completely different plans for my life. A better job, stable economy, a good relationship. Children are the last thing I want right now.
    She went to the hospital with her sister. Blood tests were taken as well as ultrasound. A tiny flicker was seen on the image. Then a faint but audible heartbeat. A pause followed, then another ultrasound with the same result.
    So-called heartbeat tests are now increasingly common in Russia for pregnant women who want to have an abortion to change their minds. At six weeks of pregnancy, heartbeat sounds can be detected with ultrasound.
    At the same time, Anastasia’s nurse talked about the value of having children in life. Anastasia tells SvD that during the conversation she realized that the abortion decision “was wrong.” That life does not always turn out as planned, that she may have tried to escape reality. And that maybe it was meant for her to have children.
    – I have accepted that this is my life.
    When SvD asks if she felt pressured to continue the pregnancy, she avoids answering. Is she afraid of reprisals if she voices criticism? Or is she satisfied with her decision not to have an abortion? During many interviews SvD conducts in Russia, it is not possible to distinguish who answers truthfully or seriously supports the regime. Many avoid talking about state measures, including Anastasia.
    Anastasia chose not to have an abortion after the conversation.
    Anastasia chose not to have an abortion after the conversation. Photo: Elena Chernyshova
    In mid-November, the delivery is expected. The walls in the apartment have been painted dark blue because she believes it is a boy. On the kitchen table lies a book with suggestions for different names. She still has not told her friends about the pregnancy.
    – But my parents know and are happy. The maternity grant will be a big help in the beginning. Then we will see. I might move to a cheaper city than Moscow.
    Have the measures led to more newborn children in Russia? So far, it is not visible in the statistics, which rather point in the other direction, according to the statistics bureau Rosstat. In 2021, almost 1.4 million children were born in Russia, or 1.5 children per woman. Last year the number was just under 1.2 million, or 1.37 children per woman. Demographers point out that it takes time before the measures for more births show results.
    Wants to make an investment

    One of the children born last year is Mark, who now sleeps in the stroller in St. Petersburg. As we walk through the park, Anna talks about the joy of his existence. She is now planning how to spend her million rubles.
    Anna with her son in the park in St. Petersburg.
    Anna with her son in the park in St. Petersburg. Photo: Elena Chernyshova
    Today she lives in an apartment together with the family and her elderly mother. With the maternity capital, she wants to buy a room in another apartment. She can rent out the room. Such so-called kommunalka are common in Russia.
    – I see it as an investment so that Mark can have a good life.
    No more money rain is expected for her part.
    – One child is enough. Many Russian women think like me. You want to do other things than just give birth, especially when times are uncertain.
    How SvD did the work – press accreditation in Russia
    Svenska Dagbladet’s reporter Gunilla von Hall has received a visa, press accreditation, and press ID issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This has made it possible for SvD to work and move freely in the country.

    We have worked together with a local photographer and domestic fixer to book interviews. We have also conducted spontaneous interviews with people. To protect several of those we interviewed from possible reprisals, we have chosen to fictitiously name them.

    No other Swedish media have received visas in Russia for several years, but several international media have correspondents on site. Among them are British BBC, German ZDF, American NBC, and Norwegian Aftenposten.

    Show more
    SvD’s Elena Chernyshova and Gunilla von Hall.
    SvD’s Elena Chernyshova and Gunilla von Hall. Photo: SvD
    Gunilla von Hall
    Gunilla von Hall
    SvD’s correspondent in Geneva
    https://www.svd.se/a/zO6MOr/ryssland-infor-miljonbidrag-till-forstfoderskor-vill-sakra-sin-framtida-arme

    1. MXT

      It will be interesting to see if high compensations will have any real impact.

      Otherwise, it doesn’t seem to work very well as an incentive in developed countries with low birth rates. The economy is not the decisive factor.

      A large part of Russia’s population was already poor before the war, and it has hardly improved now, even though those working in the war industry seem to get good pay. It can certainly have some effect. 

      Then one can wonder if children born solely because it pays well will have a good upbringing.

      1. Pehr

        Doubtful that anyone growing up in the Moscow realm will have a good upbringing now and in the coming years.
        Financial support might work on the margin if one considers themselves unable to afford having children.

    2. maggan

      The end of the article was funny, SvD boasts that they are the only Swedish media accredited.

      Doesn’t that practically mean that they are crawling for the Kremlin, no bad news is presented?

      1. Pehr

        I was, by the way, very close to canceling my subscription when the unfortunate Lena Andersson, in an editorial, basically wrote that Ukraine was “forced” to accept capitulation a couple of years ago…

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