Before Russia's war on Ukraine, their propaganda was at least somewhat subtle. Putin's speech today was nothing of the sort. Right from the start there was nothing but obvious and unsubstantiated lies coming from his mouth. It's as if he suddenly decided that his own version of reality is somehow going to be the norm from now on. Nobody in their right mind could possibly believe one word of what he said. It's not just that he was bending the truth and presenting a biased view -- he literally told the opposite of the truth.
What's more, today's speech was a blatant throwback to Soviet showmanship. A staged audience, applause on cue without reason.
Accusing the rest of the world for being Nazis and terrorists intent on destroying Russia is not going to fly. Nevertheless, this is what Putin is attempting right now. He is either out of ideas, or out of his mind. Possibly both.
