Powell speaks with Russian pranksters posing as Ukrainian president

  • last year
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell was the victim of a prank call by Russian comedians Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, who impersonated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The phone conversation took place earlier this year, and a video of the exchange was shared on Russian state TV. Powell did not disclose any confidential information during the call, and the matter has been referred to law enforcement. The incident raises concerns about security procedures at the central bank's Washington headquarters. The comedians have previously pranked dozens of government officials and public figures around the world.