Based on the available estimates, the initial forces committed by the Russians to their “special military operation” were also likewise outnumbered by the Ukrainians.Speaking of Special Forces and own goals... Putin threw away 50 percent of his Special Forces right at the start of the war when he failed to take the airfields outside Kyiv.
Where do people get this idea Russia failed to take the airport? Kiev acknowledged they took it and held it until the eve of Russia’s withdrawal from the city.
I remember the very infamous clip of a CNN reporter literally going to the airport because he believed the Ukrainian claim that they’d retaken it, and then when he showed up there were VDV standing guard at the perimeter.