Panicked Russians Don’t Believe Official Advice That Economy Is Fine

  • Sugar, diapers, pet food among items in high demand in Russia
  • Economy is headed for deep recession after war, sanctions
Can Sanctions Really Stop Putin's War?
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As Russians have turned to panic-buying in the wake of President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, one item remains in plentiful supply -- official reassurances that everything is under control.

The government has rushed out near-daily declarations that essential staples remain plentiful in an economy blindsided by war and sweeping international sanctions.