Russian Economist Andrey Klepach Loses Job After Warning of Social Crisis as Fuel Shortages Hit 72%
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 21
Russian Economist Andrey Klepach Loses Job After Warning of Social Crisis as Fuel Shortages Hit 72%
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 21
Summary
Andrey Klepach was removed as chief economist at state lender Vnesheconombank after saying on August 18 that losses from Ukrainian strikes had become a major drag on growth and could lead to a social crisis.
Those warnings came as Ukraine expanded long-range attacks on Russian logistics, refineries and military sites, including a fuel terminal in the Kerch Strait, the Ufa refinery and the Progress Rocket and Space Centre 800km east of Moscow.
Fuel disruption has become visible inside Russia: Izvestia reported only 28% of petrol stations nationwide could supply fuel this week, while Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed refined fuel imports for the domestic market.
The Kremlin has acknowledged the damage even as Putin insisted growth remains positive, releasing $1.18 billion for regional budgets and signaling state support for rebuilding logistics capacity such as Wildberries warehouses.
The pressure contrasts with Russia’s escalating missile campaign in Ukraine, where the UN said July civilian deaths hit a record 437 and Kyiv says a lack of Patriot interceptors has left ballistic attacks largely unchecked this month.
How long can Russia sustain its war economy before targeted drone strikes on fuel infrastructure trigger a domestic social crisis?
Could the relentless destruction of critical Black Sea oil terminals spark an unforeseen environmental catastrophe alongside the military conflict?
With Patriot interceptors critically low, what unconventional strategies can Ukraine deploy to shield its cities from deadly ballistic missile attacks?