Russia adopts 'smoking kills' warnings

According to World Health Organisation statistics, 60 per cent of Russian men smoke and the habit has been growing since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, particularly among young women.

As many as 350,000 to 500,000 Russians die each year of smoking-related causes, clouding the country's already gloomy demographic. The United Nations warns that the population may shrink to 116 million by 2050 from 142 million now due to shortening life expectancy.

Messages on cigarette packs range from warnings about lung cancer to impotence and will also come with information on the amount of nicotine and resins.

But the fight against smoking is a tough one in a nicotine-addicted nation where in 1990 a shortage of domestic cigarettes led to a "tobacco rebellion" on the streets of Russia's three biggest cities, forcing then-president Mikhail Gorbachev to appeal for an international emergency shipment.

Russia joined the World Health Organisation's anti-smoking convention in 2008, which requires gradual implementation of measures such as bans on smoking in public places and tobacco advertising.

Public awareness campaigns have also been increasing, with messages becoming less subtle.

Billboards two years ago showing a model wearing a dress made of cigarettes have given way to pictures of a sleeping infant with a cigarette placed on its back and the message: "Smoking in a child's presence is a much bigger torture for him."

President Dmitry Medvedev and prime minister Vladimir Putin condemned smoking – and alcoholism – calling it atragedy for the nation.

But cigarettes remain affordable and available, with most priced at around 80p for 20, and unfiltered selling for much less.

Some coffee chains have become smoke-free this year, but many restaurants are filled with fumes and patrons who object get the least prestigious tables.