The Battle of Kyiv: A Tale of Russian Missteps and Ukrainian Ingenuity

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. One of the principal targets was Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. Most outside observers, including U.S. intelligence, believed that the political center of would fall quickly. But as the hours turned to days, and the days turned to weeks, Ukraine proved that Kyiv would not fall so easily.

But the story of how Kyiv survived is complicated. A combination of Russian miscalculations and clever Ukrainian strategy made the difference. The dreaded 64-kilometer Russian Kyiv convoy fell apart, giving Ukraine a fighting chance for the rest of the war. This is the story of the Battle of Kyiv.

0:00 The Russian Kyiv Convoy Departs
3:55 Russia's Mobilization
11:52 Russia Tries to Keep a Secret
21:21 Russia's Ticking Time Bomb
24:04 Ukraine's Game Plan
24:31 Keeping Zelensky Alive
27:46 Stopping Russian Sky Bridges
29:53 Canceling out the Russian Air Force
32:36 Repelling the Ground Assault
38:25 How Ukraine Destroyed the Convoy
45:47 Epilogue
48:31 Happy Trails, Times New Roman!

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

From Ministry of Defense of Ukraine:

From IAEA:

From Bundesarchiv:

From Government of Ukraine:

From Vitaly V. Kuzmin:

[Gametheory]

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[d_size]

As a person who was in Kiev at that time, I can say that even more defense was built. Every 100-150 meters were block posts with soldiers of territorial defense brigade, random vires through the streets to confuse which road was mined.... We, as a students, rushed to paint in black all road signs, blocked some small roads with trash containers, and even flipped a very old car to block. A few days later we were asked to fill bags with sand in nearby construction side. (also we were impressed by the government, that sent each day to university a car full of cooked food)

[facty_kit]

I just can't imagine the pressure Zelensky went through personally when he understood that a whole army was coming to take him out. Hats off to him and brave Ukrainians

[MrJjones]

I'm going to be honest I was one of those people that thought Ukraine would fall in a few days maybe a few weeks. I have never been happier to be wrong.

[georgeszweden]

2021: Russia second strongest military in the world
2022: Russia second strongest military in Ukraine
2023: Russia second strongest military in Russia

[CommissarMitch]

To get an idea just how long the convoy was;

To trip between Amsterdam and Haag would be shorter. Going from the center to Berlin to Podstam, you could turn around and it would still be leftovers.

It was a huge thing.

[kimchi]

I lived next door to the Russian Embassy in Bishkek and on Feb 23rd I was walking home and saw all the windows were being blackout and barbed wire being put up. I thought it was strange. Then I woke up and they had invaded Ukraine. When I went outside someone who thrown blood all over the embassy gates.

[phbrinsden]

As always thanks to Poland for supporting their neighbor and for providing reliable information. ❤️🇵🇱❤️🇺🇦

[xWatexx]

Ukrainian strategists were so absolutely brilliant. Honestly, it’s beautiful. They made all the perfect plays.

[JCtheMusicMan_]

What a phenomenal performance by the Ukrainian people! Nothing will test the loyalty and resolve of a nation more than facing an existential threat. Never before have I been more inspired by the power of a united and resilient people. Thank you William for your work on this important presentation! Glory to Ukraine! 🇺🇦💜

[smergthedargon]

You and Perun are absolute godsends to Ukrainian war journalism.

[TrashCombine]

Worth noting is another thing we saw a lot of was overturned plates painted green. From the drivers seat of a BMP that looks awfully close to a landmine, which means you have to stop, get out, and move it, or at least confirm it’s not a mine. If enough of these are placed by civilians just hoping to mess with the invaders, it starts to pose a real risk a frustrated tanker will roll right over a real mine, placed by a local fighter.

[Strype]

Absolutely phenomenal analysis, William. Your projects continue to get better with every upload, my friend. I really appreciate you sharing these with us. They're incredibly well-made, extremely informative, and very entertaining. Combining all three of those factors into a presentation is not easy to do by any stretch and you have figured out how to do it almost seamlessly. Thanks again, bud. Please, keep up the amazing work, good sir.

[zulubeatz]

I remember specifically when Zelensky decided to make weapons available to his population. This for me will be the action that elevated him to a great leader. It shows that he had faith and trust in his people and he also knew that the Russian army would be brutal towards civilians and they deserved a chance. I can think of no other act by the leader of a country as important. It really impressed me even more than his refusing to leave. If Russian propaganda was true it would have resulted in civil war and chaos. It wasn't. Ukraine was united and defiant.

[thexalon]

Something I wish you'd mentioned here: The "pinch" tactic you describe bears a strong resemblance to the "motti" tactic famously used by Finland to successfully defend itself against overwhelming Russian vehicle forces ... in 1939. It's basically the standard maneuver nowadays for "How do you stop an armored column stuck on a road in forested terrain? Hit the front, hit the back, deal with the rest at your leisure."

[simonkormendy]

In his book, The Art of War, Sun Tzu says "In order to defeat your enemies, exploit all advantages available to you and deny your enemy every advantage." he also said "In order to win a victory against your enemy, rather than attack your enemy directly, attack your enemy's ability to wage war instead." another thing he said was "Rather than fight your enemies, get your enemies to do your fighting for you by making them fight each other."

[grimgoreironhide]

This is probably the first war where social media recorded every small and large engagement. The first war we could see the brutality of war through Telegram. Dead bodies, Russian soldiers being blown up, infantry engagements and Drone warfare.

[jordanwhite]

Zelensky’s role in the history of Ukraine should forever be cemented as legendary. Like Churchill, or Lincoln or something. He has been crucial to all of this and has honestly been one of the best war time leaders in history. Without him Ukraine would’ve already fallen likely enough. Courage goes a long way, he obviously truly cares for and loves his country.

[RomanAroundSF]

My man. Thank you. As genuine as i can be through youtube. Ive watched every single video youve made since my home was invaded. Im gonna be honest. Im not subscribed but i know ive watched every one of your videos cause of your distinct voice. And some of your videos made me cry. Im a ukranian. And god damn proud of it. Very proud of it. Youve shown everything with facts backing it up. I appriciate you man.


And just subscribed.

[kensled]

the fact that Ukraine was able to successfully defend against Russia while heavily out manned and out gunned should be a testament to the value of superior military strategy.