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.”
“” “” 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.””” “
All the crimes you are talking about are recognized and known since 1950s.
Do you realize what the Siege of Leningrad was?
In 1941 it was a city twice the size of LA completely cut out of all supplies including food, water and electricity by the Nazis. It lost nearly three and a half million people by 1944, 700 000 died starving alone.
You should expect some crime in such environment don’t you?