This denial of reality among Putin and his supporters is very sovietesque. The corrupt and fake Russian military is being smashed to pieces in Ukraine and they just can’t accept that truth. They will continue lying to themselves until the very day Putin is deposed.
At least 1/4 million young men have not been fooled and have voted with their feet. A fascinating article has been posted today. It is an interview with a former worker at a St. Petersburg troll factory sending out made up information to Russian cities, and overseas including America and probably here at FR. Will try to find the link and send it to you all. Precise detail on how they develop propaganda and use teams of trolls to promote the agenda. I have such troll teams at work here at FR.