Why the Soviet Union Defeated Nazi Germany but Russia Struggles in Ukraine
The concept that the Soviet Union could defeat Nazi Germany while Russia can't defeat Ukraine is a misnomer based on a few key misunderstandings about the nature of the conflicts and the strategies employed by both sides.
Understanding the Strength of the Soviet Union
Contrary to popular belief, the German forces were neither much stronger nor better equipped at the outset of the war. The German High Command recognized that their resources—fuel, ammunition, and food—were limited, and calculated them sufficient for only a six-month campaign. This fact became tragically evident when, five months into Operation Barbarossa, the German attack sputtered and faltered at the gates of Moscow. At this juncture, most German generals realized the war's inevitable outcome.
Modern Battlefield Comparisons
The Russian army today is vastly different from the formidable Soviet war machine of the past. The present Russian military does not have the resources, morale, or strategic unity of its Soviet predecessor. A key assumption made by Russian leaders before the invasion of Ukraine was that the population and leaders would capitulate without significant resistance. This proved incorrect. The Ukrainian forces, despite their defensive position, have demonstrated exceptional resilience, fighting with the support of the Western nations.
Mechanized Warfare and Technological Superiority
During the Second World War, mechanized warfare emphasized the production and deployment of machines. A nation's ability to maintain a consistent output of mechanical assets relative to its adversary becomes a critical factor. If the enemy lacks the resources or the will to continue, their population suffers. Likewise, if an invader overextends their supply lines or exhausts their combatants, victory can prove elusive.
Ukraine, in its defensive stance, has had to rely on training, local support, and foreign aid to maintain the spirit and effectiveness of its military. The technological support from Western nations has been crucial in compensating for Russia's initial numerical and logistical advantages.
The roles of Size and Resilience
The Soviet Union was not just a single country but a federation comprised of Russia, Ukraine, and 12 other republics. The vast size and diverse resources of the Soviet Union contributed significantly to its military and economic strength. In comparison, modern Russia is a significantly smaller and weaker entity. This disparity is similar to contrasting the 1986 film Highlander 2 with the original Highlander. Both share the same actors but the script and context are drastically different, making the second iteration less historically or militarily significant.
Moreover, the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany is a clear demonstration of its military prowess. The reasons for Germany's defeat are multifaceted, including gross misjudgments of Soviet strength and tactics, as well as sheer luck and the enemy's belief in their propaganda. Hitler and the German High Command underestimated the Soviet industrial and human resource capacity, leading to a disastrous outcome.
Conclusion
The comparison between the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany and Russia's current plight in Ukraine rests on flawed assumptions about the current state of each nation. The Soviet Union was not just a larger version of Russia; it was a more resilient and technologically advanced entity. The success or failure in Ukraine hinges on the ability to sustain the military effort and adapt strategies to counteract the evolving battlefield conditions.