A Habit That's Hard To Kick

The Evolution of Tobacco Control Policy in Russia

Author(s): Judy Twigg
Editor(s): Jeronim Perovic, Robert Orttung, Matthias Neumann, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 35
Pages: 2-5
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2008

Today approximately 60 percent of Russian men and 20 percent of Russian women smoke. Although there have been some official efforts to limit smoking, the tobacco lobby has been able to block the adoption of strong laws and the implementation of the regulations that are adopted. The Duma is currently considering new legislation and President Vladimir Putin has publicly denounced smoking, so there is hope for improvement in the future. Reducing smoking is key for Russia's ability to address its health and demographic crises.

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