A family with three children should become the norm in Russia, President Vladimir Putin said in his annual address to the Federal Assembly on Thursday.

"Demographists say that a decision to have the second child is a potential choice in favor of the third child. It is important to make sure that a family takes such a step. And, despite doubts expressed by certain experts, whom I respect, I remain confident that families having three children should become the norm in Russia," he said.

[link to voiceofrussia.com]