Russia loses a million people in historic population fall

There are a few interesting nuggets from the article though,

> “[Putin has] gone as far as introducing a number of financial incentives for parents with more than one child, such as cash bonuses and favourable mortgage rates.”

Is this the best approach to policy for incentivizing population growth? Why or why not?

Also,

> “Since 2014, living standards in Russia have continuously deteriorated due to economic sanctions by western powerhouses, a dependence on oil and gas, as well as corruption.”

Would be interested in learning more about this too. (A more substantial economic analysis and the potential implications perhaps.)