In a shocking turn of events, Russia’s Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Rashettnikov, has openly challenged President Vladimir Putin, warning of an impending economic collapse. This unprecedented public dissent from within Putin’s inner circle marks a critical moment in Russian politics, as the regime’s grip on power appears to be weakening amid rising discontent.

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Rashettnikov delivered a stark warning about Russia’s economy, predicting a recession fueled by high interest rates and dwindling business confidence. His candid remarks came as thousands of Russians took to the streets in protest against the government’s handling of the economy and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The situation is exacerbated by the recent death of prominent opposition figure Alex Nali, igniting further unrest.

As Rashettnikov spoke, tensions flared among top officials, revealing deep divisions within the Kremlin. While he sounded the alarm, other ministers, including Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, attempted to downplay the crisis, clinging to the official narrative of economic stability. Yet, Rashettnikov’s call for urgent reform underscores the reality that the Kremlin’s facade is crumbling.

With inflation soaring and GDP growth projections plummeting, Rashettnikov’s defiance signals a critical fracture in Putin’s regime. Economic experts warn that the country’s financial system is teetering on the brink, with rising defaults and a dramatic decline in oil revenues threatening to plunge Russia into chaos. As public dissent grows and elite discontent simmers, the question looms: How much longer can Putin maintain control as his ministers begin to voice the truth? The stakes are higher than ever, and the world watches as Russia’s internal turmoil unfolds.