HEADLINE: State of the Economy and Public Mood in Wartime Russia GUEST NAME: Anatol Lieven SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Anatol Lieven reporting from Russia that life in Moscow and St. Petersburg continues normally, without a sense of war dread. How

HEADLINE: State of the Economy and Public Mood in Wartime Russia GUEST NAME: Anatol Lieven SUMMARY:John Batchelor speaks with Anatol Lieven reporting from Russia that life in Moscow and St. Petersburg continues normally, without a sense of war dread. However, serious economic contraction is feared next year, particularly if the West imposes a maritime blockade. Putin prioritizes keeping inflation down to avoid public unpopularity, accepting high interest rates despite damaging business.