Ep 7. WWII in the East: The Liberation of Ukraine

Soviet Storm is an enthralling documentary series that explores the Second World War in the East, showcasing the events that took place on the Eastern front. In season 1 episode 7, titled WWII in the East: The Liberation of Ukraine, the series delves into the critical period in 1943 when the Red Army succeeded in liberating Ukraine from Nazi occupation.

This episode provides a detailed account of the brutal battle between the German army and the Soviet forces. The German soldiers had already occupied most of Ukraine, and their goal was to use the region as a breadbasket for their war effort. The Soviet leadership had to develop an effective strategy to oust the Germans from the region and re-establish power over Ukraine.

The episode showcases how the Soviet Union prepared to unleash a massive military operation to recapture Ukraine. It was a daunting challenge that required immense effort to coordinate and deploy troops from different fronts to Ukraine. As the episode progresses, viewers are taken through the complexities of the military strategy, and the challenges its implementation presented, including creating diversion tactics, bridging rivers and maneuvering difficult terrain.

With the plan of attack in place, Soviet soldiers began their move towards Ukraine. The battle was fierce and bloody, with both sides using their best tactics and weapons. The episode chronicles the clashes between the two sides, the horrors of war, and the incredible courage displayed by the Soviet soldiers.

The viewer is also privy to the changing emotions of the Ukrainian people as they witnessed the devastating impact of the war on their land. The episode presents rare archival footage of the civilians fleeing their homes, the destruction and starvation brought on by the war, and the joy and relief that came with the liberation of Ukraine.

As the Soviet soldiers moved deeper into Ukraine, the Germans retreated and deployed sabotage tactics, blowing up bridges, and destroying infrastructure to slow down the Red Army's progress. The episode showcases the Soviet soldiers' determination, as they persevered, rebuilt and continued to push forth towards their ultimate goal of establishing control over Ukraine.

The Liberation of Ukraine also touches upon the political ramifications of the Soviet victory. As the Soviet Army marched into Soviet Ukraine, Stalin was preoccupied with drafting a plan that would suitably address the region's German collaborators. The episode details the failure of the Soviet Union to provide a quick and efficient means of punishing these individuals, and the harsh measures that were taken later on to combat the issue.

In conclusion, Soviet Storm season 1 episode 7, WWII in the East: The Liberation of Ukraine, is a captivating and informative episode that gives viewers an unparalleled insight into the military tactics, struggles, and achievements of the Soviet Union's efforts to recapture Ukraine. The episode successfully depicts the complexities of the Soviet Union's strategy and provides an honest depiction of the horrors of war while highlighting the courage and determination of the soldiers who fought to liberate Ukraine.