Vladimir Putin misinformed. As the Russian military fails to advance in Ukraine, U.S. officials say

advisors are shielding the Russian president from how badly the invasion is going.

We'll show you what the Biden administration is saying about that. And despite vowing to

scale back its offensive, Russia is stepping up attacks near Kiev in other

areas of the country.

A live report from Ukraine in just a few minutes.

Plus, the morning's other big headlines.

President Biden gets a second COVID booster shot, what Chris Rock is now saying about

getting slapped by Will Smith.

And Bruce Willis steps away from acting because of a health condition.

Good morning and welcome to way too early.

On this Thursday, March 31st, I'm Jonathan Lemire.

Let's start with the news.

U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Vladimir Putin is being misinformed by his advisors about Russia's military struggles in Ukraine.

A U.S. official provided NBC News with declassified intelligence, claiming there is persistent tension between Putin and his ministry of defense.

That's because some senior advisors are, quote, too afraid to tell him the truth about Russia's

failures in Ukraine. U.S. officials believe Putin has been getting incomplete or overly optimistic

reports about the status of Russian troops, creating a mistrust between the president and his military

leaders. Putin has already put two top intelligence officials under house arrest for providing

poor intelligence ahead of the invasion, which may have contributed to this climate of fear.

Here's what some Biden administration officials had to say yesterday.

It understandably would be an issue of concern if for not just our European allies and partners,

...