Now you're just talking crap, there is no way in hell any...

Now you're just talking crap, there is no way in hell any rational military advisers would have encouraged Putin to " take" Kiev with only 40k troops.
Even back then it was well discussed that a minimum of half a million troops would be required for an initial assault on Kiev plus additional troops to replace the very high casualties expected in a high attritional urban combat environment!
Not to mention the secure logistical and supply routes required, which they did not have.
Give yourself a chance and read up a little on military tactics and doctrine!