I also get the same feeling. Prior to the invasion all the MSM "experts" were saying that when Russia invades there will be horrific civilian casualties and catastrophic military casualties on both sides.
But I think Putin is trying to avoid civilian casualties as much as possible and even when it comes to the military he is doing strategic pin-point hits on key military communication and logistic installations.
My opinion is although he is violently invading a sovereign nation, he also wants to send a message that he will not do rampant, senseless destruction and killings of millions of soldiers and civilians.
He want Ukraine under his wing. But also the hearts and minds of the populace and even the military which has a wealth of good leaders and equipment. It's possible given time and proper incentives Ukraine just might succumb under his control. Something like sheep. They forget soon enough. And the populace will remember that he did try to keep destruction and death to a bare minimum.
It's a gamble because it looks like the Ukrainians are giving him the middle finger. If the resistance continues and his losses mount, Putin just might reverse back to shock and awe, something that he is fully capable of.
I wish the leaders of the two sides would settle it in the ring with boxing gloves. I would love to see joe stand toe to toe with Putin and duke it out. I would laugh until I die shitting my pants.
I'm trying to remember where I read it, but to sum it up
He wants to destroy their military.
He wants to replace the present government leadership
and leave it at that. He cannot afford a drawn-out war
with guerrillas.
On to my opinions;
That is why Trump said what Putin is doing is genius.
Putin's problem is the Ukrainian government, not the people.
Most all people are sheep, in that, if you meet their basic needs
then you can then do as you please.
Hawaii and many other Blue cities are a good example of that.
Putin has gone farther than I expected, but he has "Read"
his opposition pretty well.
They are in "Check"
