Leaked Kremlin Propaganda Manual Prepares Russians for Ukraine War Loss.

The Kremlin has issued guidelines to Russia's state media on how to cover Ukraine's impending counteroffensive, recommending emphasizing Ukraine's arming by NATO while discouraging any suggestion that Kyiv is underprepared. The Kremlin apparently wants to spin any outcome of the expected counter-attack positively. The guidelines also suggest avoiding mentioning the national budget earmarked for the restoration of infrastructure in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, and focusing on more relatable reconstruction projects. The Kremlin has also requested that "less fuss" be made over this year's preparations for May 9, the country's annual holiday to mark the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.