Russia was born in Kiev. Probably half of Russia has relatives who live in Ukraine right now.
I think the Russians have no desire to kill Ukrainian civilians - rather, they are after the government, and the Ukrainian military stands in their way. Think of it as a fight between cousins.
The Russians are hammering Ukraine's military - strategic targets, and selected units - while simply ignoring others.
There are serious casualties on both sides. Also civilian casualties. The Russians have lost several aircraft so far, along with some armor and infantry, but not enough that it is going to make any difference. This battle started some 12 hours ago, and as of now several cities have already fallen to the Russians. Inside some of the cities the flags have changed, but there are still very few if any troops visible. Some have more destruction than others.
Ukraine's air force and navy are basically offline now - yet communications and electricity are still functioning in most of the country. I think the Russians want to be seen to encourage a collapse of military resistance.
The way things are going so far, this may all be over soon. The Ukrainian military is outclassed and lacks the capability to oppose the invasion. The Russians have mobility and the Ukrainians are static. Civilians are in long lines crossing Western borders.
Most of Ukraine's military is also green, made up of drafted forces, and will have low moral typical of conscript forces. They will mostly surrender when they come under direct fire.
Russian forces are volunteer career military - closer to American troops in quality. Well equipped and well supplied, and now with air superiority.
I have read what Russia states is the end goal - but I think these things become clouded once combat begins - war has a way of taking on a life of it's own - and objectives get re-evaluated in real time. The Russians are looking to prosecute many Ukrainians for war crimes. They have lists all written up already, but in the bigger picture I think they intend to ensure NATO stays out of the Ukraine. That will probably look like a pro Russian puppet government when the dust settles. Demilitarize the Ukraine is what they are saying.... so a token military force with few heavy weapons.
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