This game looks like a difficult one, so is there a manual or any sort of help for a beginner?

The only manual they have so far is in russian. If you start a NEW CAMPAIGN it starts off as a very nice tutorial and it's pretty thorough. Another thing u might want to check out it in one of these threads in this forum there is someone who makes videos on expert difficulty who helps out rookies like u and me. Good luck man!!!

Thanks, I'll try the campaign and watch some videos.