Russia's Central Bank Chief Nabiullina Absent from Putin's Interest Rate Meeting

Russia's Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina was absent from Putin's economic meeting, where inflation reduction and a possible interest rate cut were discussed. Independent Russian investigative outlet Agentstvo reported that Nabiullina and all her deputies were missing from the gathering. Nabiullina has not appeared in public for over a week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with senior ministers to discuss the country's economic situation, including falling inflation and a possible cut to the key interest rate. What stood out, however, was the absence of Russia's Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina and none of her deputies were present either.

Independent Russian investigative outlet Agentstvo reported that Nabiullina has not appeared in public for more than a week. Her absence from this particular meeting, where discussions focused on Russia's monetary policy future, has raised questions about her standing within the Kremlin's power structures.

Nabiullina has headed Russia's Central Bank since 2013 and is regarded as one of Russia's most capable economic leaders. Under pressure from Western sanctions, she has attempted to stabilise the rouble and keep inflation under control. Her absence from a high-level economic meeting is extraordinary, given her position and the meeting's agenda.