Ep 9. WWII in the East: The Battle of Kiev

WWII in the East: The Battle of Kiev is the ninth episode of the first season of Soviet Storm, a historical documentary television series that explores the Soviet Union's role in World War II. The episode takes a closer look at the devastating Battle of Kiev, which was fought in the late summer and early fall of 1941 and marked the beginning of a long and bitter German occupation of Ukraine.

The episode begins by outlining the context of the battle: following a massive German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, the Soviet army had quickly been pushed back across the Ukrainian steppe towards its capital, Kiev. In an effort to stem the German advance, Soviet commanders threw everything they had into the fight, from hastily assembled militia to well-trained and well-equipped troops.

The Battle of Kiev is often remembered for its brutal and protracted urban fighting, as Soviet forces attempted to defend the city's streets and buildings from German assault. The episode takes viewers through the many stages of the battle, from the initial German encirclement to the desperate Soviet defense, as troops fought to the death amid the rubble and ruins of the city.

At the heart of the episode is the story of the 1st Kiev Rifle Division, one of the Soviet army units that was fighting in the city. Through firsthand accounts from surviving veterans and archival footage, viewers are transported back to the front lines of the intense fighting, as the division's soldiers struggled to hold back the German advance.

One of the key strengths of Soviet Storm is its ability to combine archival footage with modern-day reenactments that bring the events of the past to life. In this episode, viewers will see a reenactment of a harrowing moment in the battle, when a group of Soviet soldiers managed to break out of the city, but were pursued and hunted down by German forces in the surrounding countryside.

The episode also goes beyond the immediate military showdown to explore the wider strategic implications of the Battle of Kiev. By consolidating their hold on the Ukrainian capital, the Germans gained control of a crucial agricultural and industrial region, and were able to start forging an alliance with local collaborators and turncoats.

Throughout the episode, viewers are reminded of the larger context of the war on the Eastern Front, and the deep human costs of the battles that were fought there. From the courage of individual soldiers to the political calculations of high-level strategists, the episode provides a rich and nuanced picture of the Battle of Kiev and its place in the broader history of World War II.

Overall, WWII in the East: The Battle of Kiev is a gripping and thoroughly researched account of one of the most consequential battles of World War II. Whether you're a military history buff or simply interested in exploring the human drama of the war, this episode of Soviet Storm is sure to leave a lasting impression.