Russian government, central bank spar over economic downturn

Moscow had shown unexpected economic resilience in 2023 and 2024, despite the West's sweeping sanctions, with massive state spending on the military powering a robust expansion. But economists have long warned that heavy public investment in the defence industry is no longer enough to keep Russia's economy growing. Businesses and some government figures have urged the central bank to further cut interest rates to stimulate activity. "The indicators show the need to reduce rates," Deputy Prime...