I wouldn't call it losing positions, they weren't pushed out or beaten, just pulled out, which makes perfect sense if they overstretched and then realised they need to concentrate instead of spreading all over the place. The objectives didn't change, the way of obtaining them did. Even that is not a given really, we have no idea what the plan was or is. The Kremlin never said anything about taking Kiev in 3 days, that came from the media. Anyhow, we'll just have to wait and see, but I don't see a way for the Ukrainians to win militarily, they don't have an airforce and without controlling the skies you're just a sitting duck waiting to get shot.