I don't understand the perception that this isn't the case. Perhaps you're focusing on some particular US or UK media channels is my best guess.
Perhaps I'm focusing more on US and Western mainstream media. Still the independent media or channel from US and West that I found also more in line with mainstream media. So only few Independent from West that provides more or less balance view. I also found couple or more independent media from West that even more pro Russia (mostly I suspect because they are conspiracy theoriest).
Also the general trend towards disagreement or avoidance from the more youthful that are taking part.
Millennials and Gen Z every where (not just Russia) are more inclined to shown apathy toward any of their government action. Especially if they see it as only benefits some old dudes that according to many of them should have been retired (or even gone to grave).
Many Russian digital millennials leave Russia and end up in Turkey. Many because they want to get open internet access, or not want to be shown support Putin. Personally I don't have to look far, there are many Digital Millennials from both Russia and Ukraine in Bali. Interestingly even before this invasion but after Crimea, most of them stay and build communities together. Talk to some of them couple months ago in Cangu Bali (where many of those Digital Millennials/ Digital Nomads stay), and from both those Ukrainian and Russian digital nomads, they are saying both Zelensky and Putin are only works for Oligarchs behind them.
Shown how many those digitals generation basically already fell disconnected from old dudes that run the country.
Still even Kremlin supporters are beginning to be quite critical:
По всей видимости, в Кремле полагали, что наше наступление станет развиваться очень быстро
svpressa.ru
This interview with one of ex Donbas official, which basically in the interview saying quite critically that Kremlin military and Intelligence base their assumption wrongly. He say if Russian move toward all South and East Ukraine (not just Crimea) in 2014 at that time most of population will welcome them with flowers. That 2014 window according to him, should be the right moment for separate Republic for Ethnic Russian in Ukraine.
That assumption still being think of many Kremlin planners, when the perception on the East and South Ukraine to Russia already changes. This where he believes Russian got it wrong in the beginning of campaign, and give chances for Ukrainian Army to fortified them selves in the cities.
I put the link to shown even some Russian Nationalist are already see Russia don't have Years to handle Ukraine, but only Months. Off course the interview also shown his goal for Russia to still after Regime changes, and no compromise with Zelensky can be make, as he and people behind him can't be trusted.
I look to both sides argument not finding justification on each side, but more on the thinking process and potential changes. As it can shown how far the potential time table and support coming from each internal sides for the end game.
Add:
My device has build in Automatic Google translate to English. Still the sites compatible with Google translate.