Mystery Surrounds Disappearance of Russian Central Bank Chief Nabiullina

Elvira Nabiullina, the governor of Russia's central bank who has been credited with maintaining the country's financial stability throughout years of international sanctions, has mysteriously disappeared from public view. The influential banker failed to attend a crucial meeting with President Vladimir Putin, prompting widespread speculation in Moscow political circles. While official reports cite illness as the reason for her absence, the sudden disappearance of the woman widely regarded as holding Russia's economy together has raised questions about potential political upheaval. Nabiullina has served as central bank governor since 2013 and has been instrumental in managing Russia's monetary policy through multiple crises, including the 2014 sanctions following the annexation of Crimea and the more severe economic restrictions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Her absence comes at a critical time for the Russian economy, which continues to face pressure from international sanctions and the costs of the ongoing war in Ukraine.