Russian President Vladimir Putin has brought up Russia’s alcoholism problem on multiple occasions over the past months although it is not clear if this deep-rooted issue has a link to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Russian per capita alcohol consumption has constantly been far above the level that the World Health Organization says endangers health and quality lifestyle.
Over 30 percent of all deaths in Russia were attributable to alcohol in 2012, according to WHO data crunched by the OECD.
Putin suggested "interesting work" and "hobbies" can help cure the problem.
“People need to have something to do. I’m sure a ban is not a solution, but doing self-development, interesting work, expanding hobbies - this is extremely important, it will definitely help a lot,” he said on Friday at a meeting with Magadan Oblast governor Sergei Nosov.
Unverified reports suggest more people have turned to alcohol after the war started.
A video on social media last month showed Russian to-be soldiers drinking and fighting amongst themselves on their way to the frontlines.
