As the Russian invasion of Ukraine neared its 20th day, failing to shake off questions about its success, the Russian government on Monday issued yet another statement that its operation was going to plan. However, the affirmation came only after one of Vladimir Putin's closest allies, Russian National Guard chief Viktor Zolotov, made the strongest public acknowledgement yet that the operation was slower than hoped. How the conflict between Vladimir Putin's might and the grit of ordinary Ukrainians has played out has been largely due to the sophisticated weapon systems deployed.
