russia's initial invasion plan appeared to focus on quickly toppling the ukrainian government by launching a multi-front attack. this included a northern thrust toward kyiv from belarus, an eastern advance into the kharkiv region, and southern movements from russian-occupied crimea toward major cities like kherson and mariupol. despite the sheer size and force of the invasion, russias progress was quickly stymied by unexpected logistical challenges and fierce ukrainian resistance, particularly around kyiv. ukrainian forces, equipped with western anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons like the javelin and stinger, managed to hold back russian forces, preventing the quick capture of the capital and other major cities. russian forces faced logistical setbacks and poor coordination, resulting in their failure to encircle or capture kyiv. the capitals defenders, led by general oleksandr syrskyi, successfully stalled the russian advance using guerrilla tactics, western weapons, and strategic strikes on supply lines. by april, russian troops had retreated from the kyiv region, marking a significant ukrainian victory. russia achieved its most significant early successes in the south, where it captured the city of kherson and encircled mariupol. the siege of mariupol became one of the war's most brutal episodes, culminating in the eventual fall of the city in may after weeks of heavy bombardment and destruction.
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