What If History and Ukraine

[jon-nyc]

I wonder if Russia could have played things differently and taken Kiev "in a couple of days" like many thought they would?

Could they have (say) doubled their initial force level and captured Zalensky and his government? Or did they really not have the capability at all?

IOW, was it bad planning on their part, or was it just never in the cards?

[Mik]

We will never know, because the planning was SO bad.

[Renauda]

Putin believed in his own mythology. Russians would be welcomed by Ukrainians with offerings of bread and salt. As a result there was no need for planning or anything resembling logistical support.