V.E.B. Fires Chief Economist Over Ukraine Resilience Claim
Andrey Klepach, the chief economist of state corporation VEB.RF, was dismissed after his public remarks predicting Russia's economic and technological decline in a prolonged conflict with the West, including a social crisis and Ukraine's relative economic resilience. The dismissal followed media coverage of his May speech at the Nikitsky Club, where he stated Russia would not win the 'war of attrition' and warned of growing economic imbalances.
Consensus
- Andrey Klepach was dismissed as chief economist of VEB.RF.
- The dismissal followed public dissemination of his remarks from a May speech at the Nikitsky Club.
- Klepach predicted that Russia would not win the economic 'war of attrition' against the West.
- He warned of growing economic imbalances, technological decline, and a potential social crisis in Russia.
- Klepach noted that Ukraine's economy, despite damage, was surviving and even outperforming Russia in some aspects.
- The decision was reportedly made by Igor Shuvalov, head of VEB.RF, 'on a call from above'.
- The dismissal occurred in August 2024.
- Klepach had worked at VEB.RF for 12 years.
- Klepach previously served as deputy minister of economic development from 2008 to 2014.
Points of divergence
- The main reason for dismissal was Klepach's statement that Ukraine was 'winning' against Russia, which the source claims was considered 'suicide' to discuss publicly. — tg_tvrain
- Klepach did not predict a total collapse of the Russian economy, and his statements were taken out of context. — tg_radiosvoboda
- The source claims that the 'call from above' came directly from Putin, with involvement from Anton Vaino, head of the Presidential Administration. — tg_tvrain
- The dismissal is interpreted as a sign of deep-seated discontent within Russian state structures toward the war, indicating a purge of 'subtle opposition'. — tg_istories_media
- Klepach's forecast was made in May, before the latest fuel crisis and Ukrainian attacks on Wildberries warehouses. — tg_bbcrussian
- Klepach stated that Russia would not 'win' the war of attrition, but emphasized that the economy would survive, though with significant losses and risks of social crisis. — meduza
Coverage (15 sources)
- «He spoke about a winning Ukraine over Russia». Details on the dismissal of VEB's chief economist — Дождь (Telegram)
- VEB fired its chief economist Andrey Klepach. What did he say about the Russian economy and what does his resignation mean... — Важные истории
- VEB fired chief economist Andrey Klepach after he predicted Russia's defeat in economic 'war of attrition'... — BBC News Русская служба
- Andrey Klepach, chief economist of the corporation "VEB.RF" (until 2018 - Foreign Economic Bank), was fired from his post. Previously in Russian media widely spread news The Moscow Times with quotes from the economist's May speech. — Радио Свобода
- Andrey Klepach — one of Russia's best economists. He lost his job at VEB due to words about the country facing economic lag and social crisis — Meduza
- Main events over the weekend: — Радио Свобода
- Economist fired from VEB saying Russia will not win the war — Радио Свобода
- Head of state corporation VEB fired for remarks on Russia's defeat in economic 'war of attrition' - The Bell — DW Главное
- VEB fired chief economist Klepach for predicting Russia's defeat in 'war of attrition' with the West — The Moscow Times
- Head of VEB Economic Advisor Fired After Publishing Social Crisis Forecast in Russia — The Bell — ЭХО / Новости
- From VEB.RF, Chief Economist Andrey Klepach Fired, Sources Tell The Bell. According to One of Them, Corporation Head Igor Shuvalov Fired Him Over a Top-Down Call. — Varlamov News
- VEB fired chief economist Andrey Klepach after his forecast of Russia's defeat in war of attrition and social crisis... — The Insider
- VEB fired chief economist for forecast on future social crisis and Russia's defeat in 'war of attrition' with the West. Media noticed report yesterday — Новая газета Европа
- VEB fired chief economist Andrey Klepach for speech on Russia's defeat and social crisis — The Bell
- The Bell: VEB fired chief economist Andrey Klepach after his remarks on Russia's defeat in the economic 'war of attrition' — Meduza
Key entities
- Andrey Klepach
- Russia
- VEB
- The Bell
- Media
- West
- Nikit'skogo Club
- Ukraine
- Igor Shuvalov
- WEB.RF
- Vneshekonombank
- Moscow Exchange
- The Moscow Times
- Wildberries
- Yulia Taratuta
More on Andrey Klepach
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