"The overshoot of vodka prices leads only to increasing consumption of bootleg (spirits)," said Putin, who is known for promoting a healthy lifestyle. "I think the relevant structures (government bodies) should think of that," he added.

According to a study by leading international universities last year, a quarter of all Russian men die before they reach their mid-fifties, and their love of alcohol—particularly vodka—is partly to blame.

Tough times coming in Russia:

Russia's economy is expected to slide into recession in 2015 due to falling oil prices and Western sanction over the Ukraine crisis. Annual inflation, meanwhile, is expected to exceed 10 percent this year.

More on premature death of Russian men due to alcohol consumption:

http://pandawhale.com/post/36770/russian-men-losing-years-to-vodka

So why reduce vodka prices? Unless he wants more people to die?

Drinking bootleg spirits is even more unhealthy and takes a bite out of legitimate vodka sales.