Andrei Klepach

Andrei Klepach, the chief economist at Russia's state-controlled development bank VEB, has been fired following public criticism of the nation's economic performance during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Klepach, who held the position since 2014, reportedly delivered a scathing speech and made critical comments warning that Russia would not be able to sustain a prolonged economic war. His dismissal comes amid growing concerns about the impact of the war on the Russian economy. Klepach's public warnings and subsequent termination highlight internal dissent and economic anxieties within Russia regarding its wartime financial capabilities and future prospects.