A prominent Russian economist, Andrei Klepatš, has been dismissed, exposing the boundaries of acceptable discourse within Russia. According to reports, Klepatš, a long-time advisor on economic policy, overstepped a “red line” established by President Putin. The firing indicates that public discussion of problems in Russia is permitted only at a general, abstract level. This incident highlights the tightening control over information and opinion within the country. The dismissal of a respected economic figure demonstrates the risks associated with exceeding these unwritten rules. This development signals a growing intolerance for critical analysis, even from within the established expert community. The case underscores the constraints on intellectual freedom in the current political climate.