[allendale]

The Russians made enormous sacrifices and lost over 20,000,000 dead in WW II. Yet due to their heroism and stubborn resistance, the very best units of the German army were destroyed. American casualties would have been much higher if the US had to face the best of the German army to retake Europe. Many Americans exist today because their forefathers were able to survive WW II and later procreate thanks to those Russian sacrifices.

[GoldenState_Rose]

The article does not deny that heroism existed, just that it co-exited side by side with massive, massive crimes largely due in part to the pre-existing evils of the Soviet system itself. As is true for all parties involved in war: the best and worst of human nature were brought out, and NOT just of the leaders.

But today, it is taboo even to criticize the leaders. (Stalin, et al.) Every narrative is cloaked with the red blanket of “Victory.”

[GoldenState_Rose]

Americans joined the war late for understandable reasons. Unlike the Soviet leadership, we had respect for life — and that of our own soldiers included.

Stalin killed more Russians than Hitler. Remember that.

[GOPJ]

...due to their heroism and stubborn resistance, the very best units of the German army were destroyed. American casualties would have been much higher if the US had to face the best of the German army to retake Europe. Many Americans exist today because their forefathers were able to survive WW II and later procreate thanks to those Russian sacrifices.

You're right. We owe the Russian people for this... and we've been jerks about not acknowledging it...