During the Space Race, how close were the Soviet's to landing on the moon, or did they even think it was possible?

by mattpiv

I'm sure most people know the general events of the Space Race and who achieved what and when, but I wonder how far along the Soviet Union was to landing their own moon missions. Did they even think such a thing was possible and if they did, how close were they to starting their own mission? Did their early advantage in the race factor into their decisions?

jbdyer

While more can always be said, you may enjoy

this answer by /u/kieslowskifan

and

this answer by /u/TheoremaEgregium

While it is mentioned in passing by both answers, I do want to emphasize the Soviets had a more military focus with their space program; had manned moon landing been found to have some military purpose, there likely would have been the political will to keep going.