I love the insight provided by these clips from the Russian talk shows. Remember that they are state-sponsored and represent approved messaging from the Kremlin. First of all the Schadenfreude is so perfectly Russian - there is darkness and evil everywhere all of which is determined to destroy Russia. Then the abrupt swing to messaging about the West's jealousy over their economy (the largest in Europe will come as some surprise to Germany, Great Britain, and France let alone the EU as a whole). their army is the best in the world, their quality of life is superior, Moscow is the most modern city on the planet, and the West is jealous of their highways and infrastructure.
In trying to understand this somewhat bi-polar worldview, one has to remember these shows are aimed at the Russian populace in general. The families sending their husbands, sons, and fathers to die or be maimed in Ukraine are not from among the elite. Indeed, proportionately relatively few come from the greater Moscow region at all. The majority of the target audience will have likely never traveled abroad - many will have never been to Moscow or St. Petersburg.
In that population's mind Putin and his propagandists need to completely erase the idea that Russia invaded Ukraine. At worst their sons are fighting a preemptive war against NATO whose forces are poised to invade the Motherland. They are replicating the heroism of their grandfathers halting the Wehrmacht in Stalingrad. It will be interesting to see how long they can maintain this narrative. Lots of Russians are being killed and badly wounded in Ukraine. That reality, totally suppressed by the Kremlin, is becoming more real each day even in the Hinterlands of Russia. It is a counter narrative standing in dramatic contrast to the propaganda on the evening news and talk shows.
