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Experts believe the Kremlin is aware of an inevitable financial crisis, despite making statements to the contrary.
14:47, Mon, Feb 23, 2026 Updated: 14:52, Mon, Feb 23, 2026
The head of Russia's central bank has admitted the economy is suffering. (Image: Getty)
The head of Russia's central bank has expressed grave concern for the country's ailing economy, warning there could be "big problems" in "three or four months". Ukrainian intelligence services obtained recordings of telephone conversations in which Elvira Nabiullina allegedly gave dire predictions about the stability of Russia's financial system over the coming months.
In condtradiction to official Kremlin propaganda, Nabiullina reportedly used "obscene language" against Vladimir Putin as she warned of potential economic collapse. This was uncovered by Ivan Us, Candidate of Economic Sciences and Associate Expert of Visergrad Insight, on the Pryamiy TV channel.
Elvira Nabiullina is the head of Russia's central bank. (Image: Getty)
He said: "Nabiullina spoke in rather harsh tones, using obscene language, about Putin and said that three or four months would bring big problems."
Us believes the Kremlin is aware of an inevitable financial crisis, despite making statements to the contrary.
He claimed top Russian officials are also using "obscene language in private conversations" about Putin's actions as president and the effects they have on the economy.
There are particular concerns over the cost of the war with Ukraine and the sanctions imposed as a result, Us added.
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This comes as the UK is reportedly in discussions with European allies about plans to seize oil tankers suspected of circumventing sanctions as part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet".
Defence Secretary John Healey met with his counterparts from Baltic and Nordic nations to discuss operational and legal methods of seizing the vessels in a bid to increase pressure on Russia's war economy.
The meetings are said to have taken place on the sidelines of this week's Munich Security Conference as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a group of 10 nations committed to defending the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea.
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Hanno Pevkur, defence minister for Estonia, said the "atmosphere and understanding" of the talks was one of a need for proactivity.
He told Bloombegrg: "The message is that the countries that give flags to the shadow fleet vessels need to know that there are measures that can be taken by other countries."
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