The battle of Irpin narrowly saved Ukraine. Here's how it went down.

• Ukraine narrowly won the battle of Irpin in the war's earliest days.
• Russia's assault on Kyiv was a surprise and Ukraine's defenses near the capital were thin.
• A businessman suggested a scheme that helped slow Russia's advance.

Russia came dangerously close to capturing Kyiv in the early days of the Ukraine war. But a depleted Ukrainian army brigade, hastily mobilized volunteers, and a businessman who blew up a dam saved the city — and Ukraine from losing the war.