It is difficult to know what the truth is when it is highly likely that the Russians are propaganda artists just like everyone else. The US and EU propaganda has gotten so bad and idiotic that it is really easy to see through.

We've always been subject to propaganda. However, those paying for the messaging are so out of touch with normal people's lives and their businesses and corporations don't employ and benefit enough people for us to want to believe what they are saying now. The propagandists live in a bubble that THEY benefit from but the majority of people don't benefit and the majority know it.