I read an analyst early on who said much of Ukraine's surprising resistance came from rotating experienced fighters from the front to build up guerilla capacity

I read an analyst early on who said much of Ukraine's surprising resistance came from rotating experienced fighters from the front to build up guerilla capacity throughout the country as Russia tried to complete the takeover it started in 2014. So while the "farmer steals tank" stories were funny, it was likely part of a well-trained, well-organized, and well-equipped resistance. Russia's 2022 escalation improved that preparation as theory met reality and they adapted. Ukraine had 8 years to dig in for a long fight. Russia had 8 years to let its armor rot more.