Economistul-șef al unei bănci rusești, concediat după ce a avertizat asupra costurilor războiului / Deficitul bugetar a depășit deja ținta stabilită pentru întregul an

Andrei Klepach, chief economist of the Russian state bank VEB, was dismissed after criticizing Russia's economic situation and the costs of the war in Ukraine. He warned that Russia risks losing a prolonged economic confrontation with Ukraine and highlighted the potential for a social crisis due to war pressures. Klepach's removal follows his statements suggesting that Russia's economy is faltering compared to China, the U.S., and even Ukraine. Despite the Kremlin's silence on the reasons for his dismissal, independent Russian media suggest it relates to his critical views. The Russian economy faces significant challenges, including military spending, Western sanctions, and a growing budget deficit.