Were you paying any attention at the beginning? Russia attempted a capitulation strike aimed at Kiev from the north and northeast (including an airborne operation) at the same time as starting a shock and awe campaign with ballistic and cruise missiles against every major and regional city.

That was their grand plan. Take Kyiv in 3 days and subjugate the populace which is >90% hostile to you. Absolute madness. Dictator syndrome to the fullest. Only a chain of lies going to the top could have led Putin to believe it was possible.