Russian bank fires economist who said Moscow losing 'war of attrition' with West

Andrei Klepach, a prominent Russian macroeconomist, has been dismissed from his position at a Russian bank following public remarks regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Klepach stated that Moscow is losing a war of attrition against the West, noting that the economic and social costs of the war are mounting and could lead to a domestic social crisis.

The firing highlights the limited tolerance for internal dissent regarding the state of the Russian economy amidst the prolonged conflict. By identifying the potential for a social crisis, Klepach’s analysis challenged the official narrative concerning the sustainability of Russia's war effort and its economic resilience against Western sanctions.