Ep 1. 1. Operation Barbarossa

Soviet Storm: World War II in the East is a historical documentary series that delves into the Eastern Front of World War II and the pivotal role played by the Soviet Union in defeating the Axis powers. The first episode of the series is titled "Operation Barbarossa," which refers to the Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

The episode begins by providing an overview of the events leading up to the invasion, including Hitler's ambitions for Lebensraum (living space) and his ideological hatred of communism and the Slavic peoples. It also introduces some of the key figures on both sides of the conflict, including Hitler himself, his top generals, and Soviet leaders like Joseph Stalin and Georgy Zhukov.

The bulk of the episode, however, focuses on the early stages of the invasion, which caught the Soviet Union off guard and resulted in devastating losses. We see footage and hear firsthand accounts of the intense fighting that took place along the border between the two countries, as well as the air raids and bombing campaigns that targeted Soviet cities and infrastructure. The documentary also looks at the strategic decisions made by both sides, including Hitler's decision to divert resources to the siege of Leningrad rather than pursuing a rapid advance towards Moscow.

Throughout the episode, the filmmakers make use of archival footage, maps, and diagrams to illustrate the movements of troops and the changing frontlines. They also incorporate insights from historians and military experts to provide context and analysis of the events unfolding onscreen. One particularly striking sequence shows a group of Soviet soldiers trapped in a wooden cabin, surrounded by German tanks and artillery, as they fight to the death.

Despite the setbacks and losses suffered by the Red Army in the early stages of the invasion, the episode ends on a note of resilience and determination. We see the Soviet people rallying to defend their country, with men, women, and children all contributing to the war effort. We hear about moments of heroism and bravery, such as the defense of the Brest Fortress by a small garrison of Soviet soldiers who held off the German army for weeks.

Overall, "Operation Barbarossa" sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing viewers to the scale and significance of the Eastern Front and the crucial role played by the Soviet Union in the defeat of Nazi Germany. It also highlights the human cost of the conflict, both in terms of lives lost and the immense suffering endured by those caught in the crossfire.