Putin Demands Officials Explain Why Russian Economy Is Slowing

President Vladimir Putin ordered government officials to explain why Russia’s economy is slowing, despite his insistence that a downturn must be avoided.

“I expect to hear detailed reports today on the current economic situation and why the trajectory of macroeconomic indicators is currently below expectations,” Putin said Wednesday at a televised meeting on the economy. “Moreover, below the expectations of not only experts and analysts, but also the forecasts of the government itself and the central bank of Russia.”