Here's a recent comment by Aurelius on the Astral Codex Ten rationalist blog. It deals with the issue that there's lots of propaganda flying about. Just as we scoff about the Russians swallowing hook, line, and sinker the nonsense they're fed about Ukraine, the same happens the other way. Perhaps not to the same degree, but we need to be conscious that not all we're told is true.
Of course I risk the normal reaction: No, I'm not an apologist for Putin. I agree the invasion was very very wrong etc etc, I'm just saying the Truth is not quite what we're told.