Ep 3. WWII in the East: The Siege of Leningrad

Soviet Storm season 1 episode 3, titled "WWII in the East: The Siege of Leningrad," delves into the story of the infamous 900-day siege of the city of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) by the German army during World War II. The episode offers a deep insight into one of the most brutal and harrowing episodes in the history of the Soviet Union.

As the German juggernaut moved eastward, the city of Leningrad, located on the northern banks of the Neva River, lay in the path of the invading army. With the aim of capturing the city and cutting Soviet supply lines, the German army surrounded it on September 8, 1941. Hitler had ordered that the city be starved into submission, and the Germans cut off all access to provisions and supplies. The defenders of Leningrad, including the Soviet army, militia, and civilians, were trapped and had to fend for themselves within the city limits. This marked the beginning of one of the longest and deadliest sieges in history.

The episode outlines the harsh living conditions within the besieged city. With no access to food, the city's population was slowly starving to death, and soon, rumors of cannibalism began to spread. The episode features interviews with survivors of the siege, some of whom share their personal experiences and stories of how they managed to hold on to hope despite the appalling conditions.

The episode offers a glimpse into the leadership of the Soviet army and government, who were faced with an almost impossible task – to break the siege and liberate the city. The Soviet leadership went to great lengths to keep the morale of the population high, creating slogans and propaganda to boost their spirits. Meanwhile, the Red Army was busy trying to break through German lines to relieve the pressure on the city.

One of the most moving segments of the episode covers the role of women in the siege. Women played a crucial role in defending Leningrad, taking up arms and fighting alongside their male counterparts. They also took up a significant chunk of the work in the factories, helping to create ammunition and supplies to sustain the city's fight against the German army.

Overall, Soviet Storm season 1 episode 3 is a gripping and emotional retelling of the siege of Leningrad. The episode does an excellent job of showcasing the resilience and determination of the city's defenders, who fought against all odds to protect their home and their nation. It is a powerful reminder of how much the human spirit can endure and how vital hope and perseverance are in the face of unimaginable adversity.