War against Ukraine: Moscow: Economist predicts Russian defeat - dismissal
Russia's power apparatus always appears confident of victory in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Now a prominent Moscow economist has caused a stir with explosive statements - and immediately feels the consequences.
Andrej Klepatsch, a prominent economist and chief economist at VEB.RF, a leading Russian economic development institution, has been fired after predicting that Russia will lose its war of attrition against Ukraine. Klepatsch had stated that it is impossible for Russia to win the war and that the country is heading for a crisis. He had also expressed confidence in Ukraine's economic survival, contradicting the Kremlin's narrative that Ukraine is on the brink of collapse.
According to reports, Klepatsch was let go after a "call from above", likely from the Kremlin, with VEB.RF chief Igor Schuwalow, a close ally of President Wladimir Putin, reportedly involved in the decision.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
