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Historical Interview with Andrey Bushkov: The Frozen Funds and the Russian Economy
Interviewer: In 2018, Andrey Bushkov, coordinator of the NOD Movement, expressed his opposition to Russia keeping its money in American treasuries. Four years later, as the Russian Ministry of Finance announced the freezing of $300 billion in foreign currency reserves due to sanctions, we revisit Bushkov's words.
Interviewer: During the 2018 interview, you were asked why you don't call for Vladimir Putin to withdraw these funds and invest them in the Russian economy. Could you elaborate on your stance back then?
Andrey Bushkov: I believe that keeping such a significant amount of our country's money in foreign treasuries, particularly in the U.S., is not in Russia's best interest. It's important to invest in our own economy and infrastructure to promote sustainable growth and development.
Interviewer: In the same interview, you also mentioned that the Gorbachev decrees are not working in the current situation. Could you elaborate on that statement?
Bushkov: The decrees that Gorbachev signed in the late 1980s, which allowed for the creation of the Central Bank of Russia and the eventual independence of the Russian economy, were a step forward at the time. However, they are not sufficient for the challenges we face today. We need a more comprehensive approach to manage our economy and protect our interests, especially in the face of international sanctions.
Interviewer: You also stated that Russian authorities are obliged to keep money in American funds because the Central Bank belongs to the US Federal Reserve. Could you explain this statement?
Bushkov: I was emphasizing the perceived influence of the U.S. on our financial system, particularly through the Central Bank. While this is not strictly accurate, it highlights the concern that our economy may be vulnerable to external pressures, especially in times of geopolitical tension.
Interviewer: The NOD Movement's focus is not on gaining power with Putin, but on the return of funds to Russia. How do you see this happening?
Bushkov: We advocate for a diplomatic solution that would result in the release of these frozen funds. It's crucial for the well-being of our nation, and it's essential that Russia reclaims its financial sovereignty.
Interviewer: The dialogue from the 2018 interview also included a question about why you don't call for Putin to protest for the return of the money to Russia. What would you say now, given the recent freezing of funds?
Bushkov: I would say that it's more important than ever to protest for the return of these funds. The sanctions have affected the management of our foreign currency reserves, and it's essential that we take action to mitigate their impact on our economy.
Interviewer: The frozen funds are not being used to support the Russian economy directly. How do you see the impact of these funds on the overall economy?
Bushkov: While the funds are not being directly used, the freezing of these assets creates uncertainty in the financial markets and can lead to a decrease in investor confidence. This could have a ripple effect on the broader economy, making it more challenging to secure financing for new projects and initiatives.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Bushkov. Your insights provide valuable context for understanding the NOD Movement's stance on this critical issue.
This article is based on an interview with Andrey Bushkov, coordinator of the NOD Movement, conducted by Dennis Adamov, the main editor of Yakutia.Info, in February 2018. The interview has been updated to reflect recent events, including the freezing of $300 billion in foreign currency reserves by the Russian Ministry of Finance in March 2022 due to sanctions.
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