Political analysts say Putin's recent claims directed toward the government reflect an irrational and ill-judged attitude toward the leadership in Kyiv.
"They [Russians], thought it would be completely easy. They would roll right in and the Ukrainians would give up," retired U.S. Army Col. Jack Jacobs said.
The online group known as Anonymous appears to be entering the Ukraine-Russia conflict by declaring cyber war against Vladimir Putin and the Russian government.
Russian advances on the Ukrainian capital have slowed, but forces are roughly 25 kilometers (16 miles) outside Ukraine's capital, a U.S. Defense official said.
Russia's soccer teams were suspended from international play by the sport's governing bodies due to the Ukraine invasion. The ban means no World Cup for Russia.
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