Andrey Klepach, a prominent economist serving at Russia’s state-owned development bank, VEB.RF, has been removed from his post. His departure follows a series of internal and public warnings in which he cautioned that the Russian economy is struggling to keep pace with global rivals. Klepach specifically highlighted that the financial burden of the war in Ukraine is creating significant long-term challenges for the nation’s growth and technological development.

While the official reasoning for his departure has not been explicitly detailed by the Russian government, analysts suggest his exit reflects a growing intolerance within the Kremlin for officials who publicly question the economic sustainability of the current military campaign. Klepach, who previously served as a deputy minister of economic development, was known for providing data-driven assessments that often contrasted with the optimistic projections offered by other state officials. His warnings about Russia 'lagging behind' serve as a rare instance of a high-level state official acknowledging the structural damage caused by international sanctions and the redirection of resources toward the defense sector. The move is viewed by many observers as a signal that the Russian leadership is prioritizing total alignment with state policy over independent economic analysis, even when that analysis comes from within the state's own financial institutions.