Final answer:
The 'pull of Asia' on cities in the Russian Far East is the option least likely to be a problem confronting the Russian urban system, as it is not mentioned in the provided materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which of the following is not a problem confronting the Russian urban system. Based on the provided information:
- The huge distances between cities are indeed a problem due to the vast territory of Russia, which complicate transportation and connectivity.
- The harsh physical environment is also a problem given the extreme continental climate with hot summers and cold, harsh winters, and other environmental challenges such as water and air pollution due to industrial activities.
- Urbanization challenges related to poor living conditions, slums, poverty, and disease have indeed been identified as issues within Russian cities.
- The statement about a "continuing decline of the urban population throughout the nation" does not align with the typical urbanization trends where populations typically increase, not decrease, in urban settings especially during periods of industrial growth.
- Lastly, the "pull of Asia on cities in the Russian Far East" seems ambiguous and is not elaborated upon as a clear issue in the provided information.
Therefore, based on the context provided, the option that is least likely to be a problem confronting the Russian urban system is the pull of Asia on cities in the Russian Far East. This is not mentioned as a problem in the source materials, and there is no clear association with urban challenges in Russia.