Doctrine and Command Losses
In case you missed it, the Russian military has lost anywhere from five to six generals, in the field. It really depends whether you count a Chechen general or not. They have seen another eight fired. And there is a smattering of colonels, light colonels, and majors killed as well.
We also know losses from troops are high. The Russians have started shooting their own troops if they refuse to advance. Reportedly they are killing their severely wounded. They are also refusing to take their dead back.
Yes, to the western ears this sounds inconceivable because we do not leave people behind. We do not shoot troops in the back. As abusive as Boot Camp is, we do not starve the troops. Or for that matter, use money meant for maintaining gear, for vodka. The latter was reported in Belarus before the war.
That already pointed to an issue of discipline, and perhaps morale.
Troops did not Know they Were Going to War
We have seen multiple reports of Russian troops not knowing they were in Ukraine. Many in the west were shocked because even those who don’t serve, know that troops were told where they were going before deployment. We have even seen how troops all the way to privates, were briefed on D-Day during The Longest Day.