MOSCOW - A close associate of Vladimir Putin, who recently lost his job as Russia's railways chief in a reshuffle seen as a sign of increasing Kremlin infighting, says the nation's economic downturn will last at least two more years amid ongoing Western sanctions.
Associated Press: Former Kremlin insider expects 2-year economic downturn
Russian Railways Chief Vladimir Yakunin (front) reads documents while waiting for Russia's President Vladimir Putin before his meeting with Siemens AG CEO Joe Kaeser in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, on March 26, 2014.
