Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell fell victim to Russian pranksters posing as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In excerpts from the conversation that were posted online, Mr. Powell talks about inflation and the Russian central bank.

In a statement, a Fed spokesman confirmed the incident: “Jerome Powell was involved in a January call with someone who falsely identified himself as the president of Ukraine. It was a friendly conversation, and it took place in the context of supporting the Ukrainian people in this difficult period. No sensitive or confidential information was discussed.”

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Jerome Powell was the joke that the Russians called Zelensky.

In a telephone conversation, the chairman of the Fed acknowledged that a US recession is likely. “That’s what it takes to bring inflation down.” pic.twitter.com/t61gZGqw16

— Stephen Geiger (@Stephen_Geiger) April 27, 2023

The spokesperson also stated that “the matter has been referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and out of respect for their efforts, we will not comment on further action.”

The two Russian pranksters also spoke to the head of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, to whom they also introduced themselves as Zelensky.

Last year, they also posed as Zelensky in a telephone conversation with the Harry Potter author. The creator of the Harry Potter series was tricked into thinking she was on Zoom with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The discussion has been transferred to the Rowling Library.

Vovan and Lexus are known for pranking celebrities like Elton John, Prince Harry, Billy Eilish and Kamala Harris.