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

Tech Insider
Ukraine blew a dam and bridges across the Irpin River to hinder Russia's advance in the war's earliest days.
Ukraine blew a dam and bridges across the Irpin River to hinder Russia's advance in the war's earliest days.

ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images

  • 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