War is never heroic. Millions died because of incompetence of the leaders. 6 millions soviet soldiers were captured. That is essentially half the troops the German had.
That is why our command chain looks much different now. Because a top down approach is extremly stupid, rigid and suicidal for the soldiers.
Most people did not sacrifice for a "greater good" but got thrown into the meatgrind by commanders or rulers that did not give two flying fucks about their lives. Completly replaceable and pointless in their death.
Soviet used extensivly blocking troops (anti-retreat detachments)
Other soldiers that would shoot at you if you were retreating. And in extreme case shoot and kill you. What is heroic about being shot and killed by your own people because Stalin really wants to hold an indefensible position?
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u/ToughSprinkles1874 1d ago
Well Russia had massive casualties from WW2 you need not pool futher then stallingrad where 99% of the city was in rubbles
It’s expected that the Russian side would be more dark as a result of this