Fact Check: Average male life expectancy in Russia dropped from 68 to 66 since invasion.

Fact Check: "Average male life expectancy in Russia dropped from 68 to 66 since invasion."

What We Know

The claim that the average male life expectancy in Russia dropped from 68 to 66 since the invasion of Ukraine is not supported by current data. As of 2022, the overall life expectancy in Russia was reported to be approximately 73 years, with male life expectancy specifically around 68 years (source-2). Recent reports indicate that life expectancy for Russian men has fluctuated but has not shown a consistent drop to 66 years since the onset of the invasion in 2022.

In 2023, the life expectancy for Russia was noted to be 72.98 years, reflecting a slight increase from previous years (source-7). Additionally, while there have been discussions about the impact of the ongoing conflict on mortality rates, specific figures indicating a drop to 66 years have not been substantiated by reliable sources.

Analysis

The assertion that male life expectancy in Russia has decreased from 68 to 66 years post-invasion lacks credible evidence. The data from various sources, including the World Bank and recent studies, indicate that while there may be fluctuations in life expectancy due to various factors, including the war and its socio-economic impacts, the specific claim of a drop to 66 years is unfounded.

For instance, a report from Meduza highlights that while life expectancy has decreased from its peak, it does not provide evidence of a drop to 66 years post-invasion (source-6). Furthermore, a report from Newsweek discusses the broader implications of increased mortality rates in Russia, attributing them to factors such as war and alcohol consumption, but again does not confirm the specific figures cited in the claim (source-8).

The sources used to support the claim do not provide a clear, reliable basis for the assertion. The Wikipedia entry on Russia provides a general overview of life expectancy without specific references to the invasion's impact on male life expectancy (source-2). The lack of consistent data and the reliance on potentially biased or incomplete sources further undermine the credibility of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that average male life expectancy in Russia dropped from 68 to 66 since the invasion is not supported by reliable data. Current life expectancy figures indicate that while there may be fluctuations, the specific drop to 66 years is not substantiated by credible sources. The overall life expectancy in Russia remains higher than the figure claimed, and the evidence does not support a significant decline directly attributable to the invasion.

Fact Check: Average male life expectancy in Russia dropped from 68 to 66 since invasion.