Ep 2. The Battle of Kiev

Soviet Storm: World War II in the East season 1 episode 2 is titled "The Battle of Kiev". The episode covers the intense fighting that took place around the city of Kiev in Ukraine during the early days of World War II. The German army had launched a massive invasion of the Soviet Union, known as Operation Barbarossa, and Kiev was a key strategic objective in the campaign.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the battle, explaining the military situation in the summer of 1941 and the importance of Kiev as a transportation hub and industrial center. We see footage of German soldiers crossing the border into the Soviet Union, as well as images of Soviet troops and civilians mobilizing to resist the invasion.

As the German army approaches Kiev, the Soviet defenders prepare to meet them. We see footage of soldiers digging trenches and building fortifications, as well as civilians being evacuated from the city. The episode also covers the political tensions between Soviet leaders, as different factions argue over how to defend the city.

Once the battle itself begins, the episode presents a detailed account of the fighting. We see footage of tanks, artillery, and infantry engaging in intense combat, as each side tries to gain the upper hand. The episode also includes interviews with surviving veterans of the battle, who provide firsthand accounts of their experiences.

One of the key moments in the battle comes when the Germans launch a massive assault on Kiev's southern defenses. We see footage of tanks rolling across open ground, while Soviet defenders fire back with anti-tank guns and other weapons. The fighting is brutal and relentless, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

Despite the ferocity of the fighting, the Germans are eventually able to break through the Soviet defenses and capture Kiev. The episode covers the aftermath of the battle, including the mass executions of Soviet prisoners and the forced resettlement of Ukrainian civilians.

Throughout the episode, Soviet Storm: World War II in the East does an excellent job of combining historical context with vivid footage and personal testimonies. Viewers get a sense of the enormity and complexity of the battle, as well as the individual experiences of those who fought and died in it. Overall, "The Battle of Kiev" is a gripping and informative episode that sheds new light on one of the crucial battles of World War II.