Russian banker dismissed after critical remarks about economy
The Guardian · August 17, 2026Original source ↗

What happened
Andrei Klepach, the chief economist at the state-controlled development bank VEB, has been fired following critical comments regarding Russia's economic performance. His remarks included concerns about Russia's ability to compete economically with other nations, including Ukraine.
Why it matters
This dismissal highlights internal disagreements regarding the Russian economy's state and its prospects amid ongoing conflicts.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are an economist in Russia?
Your job security may be at risk if you express dissenting views about the economy, as demonstrated by Klepach's firing. This could create a chilling effect on open discussions regarding economic policies and performance.
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