Russia is often regarded as the weakest among the great powers, and this perception is not without justification. Were it not for its vast expanse of territory and substantial population, the impoverished and backward nation would scarcely qualify as a great power. Its military, equipped with rudimentary tools, exhibits a striking inferiority in combat capability compared to its counterparts. Nonetheless, the Russian army's fearless "Ural charge" has instilled considerable pressure upon the forces of other nations.
In terms of technological prowess, Russia lags significantly behind the other great powers, a disparity most glaring in its military capabilities. The nation's military-industrial technology ranks among the least advanced globally, and financial constraints have led to a lack of artillery and automatic weaponry.
As technological advancements continue, the advantage of sheer numbers in warfare becomes increasingly negligible. Thus, achieving victory in the current conflict will prove all the more challenging for the Russian forces.
"Rat-tat-tat!" The remaining heavy machine guns on the Russian positions opened fire, the sharp crack of bullets striking German tanks resonating in the air. Yet, while these rounds could reduce a human body to a mere husk, they posed no threat to the armored behemoths. Despite the sparks flying from the impacts, the robust armor of the tanks only bore minor marks, inflicting no substantial damage.
As the Russian soldiers beheld the tanks advancing undeterred by their ferocious fire, their eyes widened in horror.
"Oh God! The Germans' weapons—our bullets can't penetrate them!"
"Those are not human weapons; they are the tools of demons. The Germans have allied with the devil!"
The people of this era were, to some extent, naive. Faced with incomprehensible phenomena, they often turned to supernatural explanations. Such beliefs not only hindered their ability to confront the Germans but also amplified their fear and diminished their resolve to fight.
"Foolishness! Those are not demonic weapons; they are new weapons developed by the Germans!" one officer retorted fiercely.
"Pfft!" Before he could finish, a bullet struck his chest. The large-caliber round shattered his spine, blood pouring from his mouth as his eyes gradually dimmed.
"Oh God! The platoon leader is dead!" The surrounding Russian soldiers exclaimed in shock, their leaderless ranks spiraling into chaos.
The German tanks relentlessly advanced toward the Russian positions, employing their cannons and machine guns to mow down the defenders. Despite the soldiers' desperate attempts to retaliate with their meager arsenal, their lack of anti-tank weaponry rendered their efforts futile, unable to impede the German onslaught.
This disheartening realization led to a rapid decline in the morale of the Russian forces.
At the command center of the Russian Second Guards Army, General Kravovich paced anxiously. The sounds of artillery fire from the front lines were unmistakable, fueling his unease.
Although the Second Guards Army was considered an elite force, they had no certainty about their ability to withstand the German assault. Kravovich could only pray that his troops could fully unleash their combat potential and that the Germans were not as formidable as rumored. If so, perhaps they stood a chance to repel the attackers. He also hoped for the swift arrival of General Letzsky's Ninth Army; such reinforcements might provide a glimmer of hope. Otherwise, the Second Guards Army would find itself in grave peril.
"What is the situation at the front?" Kravovich inquired.
"General, the situation is dire. The German bombardment has just ceased, but they have deployed their tank units for an assault. Our forward positions are incapable of halting their advance," an officer reported.
"Damn it! Is their tank force truly as invincible as the tales suggest?" Kravovich furrowed his brow.
"General, the examples of the First and Second Armies are before us. I doubt this is merely legend. We are seeking confirmation from the front lines and should receive news shortly," the officer replied.
Kravovich nodded. "Inquire if they can hold out any longer."
A few minutes later, the command center received a response from the front: a request for retreat or the dispatch of additional troops.
"General, the front-line commanders report that the German tank assault is overwhelming, and our positions have suffered severe losses. They are on the brink of being unable to withstand the German advance. If reinforcements cannot be sent, they beseech permission to withdraw," the officer relayed.
"Preposterous! The battle has just begun, and they wish to retreat? That is unacceptable! Tell them that without my orders, no one is to withdraw. As for reinforcements, there will be none," Kravovich ordered, his expression darkening.
"Yes, General," the officer responded, dutifully relaying the message to the front.
The front lines of the Russian Second Guards Army faced the relentless assault of the Eighth Armored Division. The armored vehicles, impervious to Russian fire, advanced under the weight of heavy fire, ruthlessly closing in on the defenders' positions.
Confronted by the impenetrable German tanks, many Russian soldiers were paralyzed with fear, some lacking the courage to continue the fight.
The tide of battle had turned decidedly against the Russians.
"Rat-tat-tat!" A tank surged onto the Russian positions, unleashing a torrent of machine-gun fire.
The hail of bullets swept through the Russian lines, leaving many soldiers lifeless on the ground. The German tanks, akin to grim reapers wielding scythes, effortlessly harvested lives.
"Die, cursed Germans!" A brave Russian soldier manned a heavy machine gun, firing furiously at the approaching tanks. The sound of spent shells clattering to the ground echoed as bullets struck the tank's armor, producing sharp, ringing sounds. Yet, to the tanks, these rounds posed not the slightest threat.