[QQQQ]

Mistakes was made by both Soviets and Germans. hitler didn't listen to his advisers. Soviet command took a huge gamble by concentrating 75% of their Armored forces at Kursk. The battle of Kursk was a turning point of the WWII. Speaking about unnecessary casualties among Soviet troops, you are correct. We are taking about astronomical numbers. Most likely seven digits during the WWII.

[IronJack]

Stalin was anything but parsimonious with his men. They were mere fodder for the war machine, lucky to be granted the privilege of dying for the Motherland. To their dubious credit — and much more certain detriment — millions of Russian soldiers believed the same way.