building military is much much more expensive than paying influencers.

Russian propaganda machine is incredibly strong, because it was perfected on their own citizens for basically century now. They spend billions on pure propaganda.

While with military - they relied on propaganda as well. They projected power while not picking conflicts with anyone who can punch back.

Ukraine appeared too big to swallow this time and everyone can see, that king is naked. Russian military is a sham compared to US. Like, incomparable to be honest. But problem is that propaganda is much stronger than military. So west made a mistake dismissing russia because of their weak corrupt military while being invaded by propaganda.

West has nothing against russian propaganda machine and this is what thrtuthly terrifying to be honest.