Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Battle of Kyiv lasted from the 24th of February 2022 to the 2nd of April 2022. Russian forces announced their withdrawal from the Kyiv area on the 29th of March 2022, and Ukrainian authorities declared the entire Kyiv region recaptured on the 2nd of April.
Russia's plan was to seize Kyiv within the first two days of the campaign, according to CIA director William J. Burns. After nearly two full weeks of fighting, Russian forces had still not fully encircled the city.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi commanded the defense of Kyiv. On the night of the 24th of February 2022, the city was divided into sectors with a general assigned to each, following a chain of command leading to Syrskyi, who organized two defensive rings around the city.
Russian forces captured Hostomel Airport on the 25th of February 2022, the day after the battle began. The airport, located northwest of Kyiv, served as a key supply point for Russian troops advancing on the capital.
On the first day of the Battle of Kyiv, 18,000 guns were distributed among civilians. By the 26th of February 2022, Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky announced that civilian volunteers had received more than 25,000 assault rifles, approximately 10 million bullets, rocket-propelled grenades, and rocket launchers.
Russian war crimes committed during the Battle of Kyiv offensive were uncovered particularly in Bucha after Russian forces withdrew from the area in late March 2022. The discovery led to additional international sanctions against Russia and pledges of further military aid to Ukraine.