Nabiullina’s public absence fuels questions about Russia’s central bank future

Elvira Nabiullina, head of Russia’s central bank, has not been seen in public for almost three weeks. The bank says she is on sick leave but will attend a 19 June press conference after a board meeting, prompting speculation she could be stepping down as she nears the end of her term. Once praised for shielding the economy amid the Ukraine war and Western sanctions, Nabiullina’s absence comes as Russia’s monetary policy and leadership face renewed scrutiny.