The Blubber

Powell has said that an economic downturn is possible or even likely, but that it is necessary to cool the economy and slow inflation.

Jerome Powell, the chairman of the US Federal Reserve, appears to have become the latest victim of a prank by two Russian comedians, per Bloomberg. A video call involving Powell was broadcast on Russian television, showing him conversing with someone he believed to be Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The call, which took place in January, was later claimed as a hoax by comedians Vladimir Krasnov and Alexei Stolyarov, also known as Vovan and Lexus. The duo is known for their history of pranking high-profile figures, including Prince Harry, Angela Merkel, Elton John, Andrzej Duda, Christine Lagarde, Justin Trudeau, and Boris Johnson.

The Federal Reserve confirmed that Powell had engaged in a conversation with an individual he thought was Zelensky, but emphasized that no sensitive or classified information was shared. The central bank also stated that the video appeared to have been edited and that its authenticity could not be verified. The matter has been referred to law enforcement authorities.

During the call, Powell reportedly praised Elvira Nabiullina, the head of Russia's central bank, for her management of the Russian economy in the face of Western sanctions. Additionally, video clips circulating online show Powell discussing the possibility of a recession or slow growth in the US in 2023, partly due to the Fed's interest rate hikes aimed at curbing inflation.

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