The prevalence of smoking among adults in Russia has dropped by more than half over the past 16 years, according to the Ministry of Health. In 2009, approximately 40% of the adult population consumed tobacco, a figure that has fallen to 18.7% in 2024. Youth smoking rates have also seen a significant decline, dropping from 27.3% in 2004 to 12.1% in 2021 for the 13-15 age group. The Ministry attributes this success to robust state anti-tobacco policies.
Despite these gains, experts warn against complacency. Elena Reznik from Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University noted that the decline has plateaued over the last five years, with a stable core of active smokers remaining. Smoking is notably more prevalent among men (35.7%) than women (8.4%). The psychological aspect of addiction is significant, with smoking often serving as an emotional regulation tool for stress and anxiety.
The debate over vaping and heated tobacco products as harm reduction tools continues. While some experts suggest a "bridge therapy" approach for heavy smokers using these alternatives, others, like pulmonologist Andrey Belevsky, highlight severe risks such as lung injury and fibrosis. Recent studies using mathematical modeling suggest vaping can cause inflammatory changes in the larynx within months. The World Health Organization reports that 133 countries now restrict or ban electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Russia's regulatory landscape is tightening. Since joining the WHO FCTC in 2008, the country has implemented bans on advertising, public smoking, and sales to minors. These measures have progressively extended to vapes since 2021. A new bill passed in the first reading in November 2024 proposes licensing for tobacco and nicotine product turnover, with potential amendments allowing regions to ban vape sales entirely. However, industry analysts like Evgeny Fedotov warn that a total ban could drive millions of consumers to the black market or back to traditional cigarettes, citing the limited success of a similar ban in Kazakhstan.
