It is not problem of lack people - but who are left.They are no old russian peasants who drink,but loved their land,only degenerated drunks which love only vodka.But, again, this is true of basically every developed nation. There are still more Russians living in rural areas than there were Russians period in 1800.
Letters from Russia was written by De Coustine in 1839 - french aristocrat who come as Russia fanboy,and go back hating russians guts,becouse they were drunk corrupted monsters.I don't think your romantacized idea of Russia was ever true. They were considered little better than barbarian hordes by other Europeans up until at least the 19th century.
But,even those monsters had honour and keep their world.
Current kgb goons ruling there have all russian vices,but not even one of their old virtues.
Pity.We were enemiesonce,but i would not wish such end on anybody.