Alexandra Prokopenko used to advise the Central Bank of Russia, but today the economist in Berlin analyzes the Kremlin’s policies. After two years of war in Ukraine, she states: Vladimir Putin has consolidated his power.
Ms. Prokopenko, you left Russia in 2022, the year of the attack on Ukraine. When you look at your country today – what do you see?
I see a big country that is suffering a lot. It is painful to see how Russia is closing the door to the future to itself and its people. Students, young Russians are becoming less competitive in the world market because of the foreign policy of their leadership. A great country with a great history made a huge mistake, and that mistake still scares me.
Do you think the Russian population understands this?
Partially yes. We have seen that there has already been a wave of emigration from Russia – first as a result of the war and then because of mobilization. But I think many still think we can just turn back time and go back to the situation of February 23, 2022.
So to the day before the war of aggression. Do you have an explanation as to why this happened?
I continue to find it difficult to understand why Russia invaded Ukraine and started this bloody war. Putin and his minions claim that Russia was forced to do this, but I don’t believe that argument, it’s nonsense.
There is still a lot of debate about the reasons. A question for you as an economic expert: As cynical as it may sound, is there an economic rationale behind this war?
Source: Stern
