Whatever was the goal in Kyiv, point is that Putin ordered an operation on basis of his illusions…

Re. how was the VSRF used in II Chechen War.... by side I could offer you plentiful examples for how was the VSRF deployed more recently in…

Whatever was the goal in Kyiv, point is that Putin ordered an operation on basis of his illusions; that this operation was undertaken without the necessary softening of defences; and that this operation ended in a military disaster. Point is that it took him over a month to realise, accept and admit this, and withdraw troops from Kyiv and Chernihiv: by then, the (nominally) 'best' of the VSR was no more. It was either killed or fell apart.

Re. how was the VSRF used in II Chechen War.... by side I could offer you plentiful examples for how was the VSRF deployed more recently in Syria (where it did attempt to act along its own doctrine and strategy), the point is this: back in March this year, the 41st CAA and the 1st GTA, became dangerous for Kyiv only once they stopped trying to capture every village and town on their way to Kyiv, and advanced regardless what was going on in their rear.

We can lament about dangers of 'urban hedgehogs' etc as much as we like, but: this is the way the VSRF was made to fight. 'Advance first, then ask questions'.

One can't advance if all the time 'gravely concerned' aboout the flanks and the rear: the movement by itself is 'flanks protection#.

....Ukraininas are nicely demonstrating this in SE Kharkiv, these days...