These folks were predicting Ukraine would cease to exist within a few days of the start of this phase of the war, as I recall (nor were they lonely).

I will bet they will still be saying "accept the loss" a year from now.

Were any Russian officials making claims about Ukraine lasting a few days or only Western "experts"?

Hmmm....how long did it take the US to leave Afghanistan again?

Or Vietnam. If Russia's success in Ukraine compares to America's success in southeast Asia or in Afghanistan, I will not be at all surprised, myself.

I think it's time for a reminder that the USA pumped $180 billion (!!!!!!!) worth of stuff into the Soviet Union between 1941 and 1945, to ensure that the Germans get fucked.