The Turning Point

German forces advance eastward toward the Volga and target a Russian city on its banks. The Soviet high command fears that losing the city could trigger a broader disaster on the Eastern Front. The stage is set for a desperate defense to prevent a major strategic setback.

General K. S. Muravyov is appointed to command the front and receives the direct order: 'The city must not be surrendered; prepare to defeat the German forces!' He arrives at the front, quickly assesses the battlefield, and reunites with his wife Liza, who also serves in the army. The burden of leadership becomes clear as the defense begins to take shape.

Muravyov believes victory hinges on buying time and draining the enemy through attrition rather than a reckless rush. He argues that the German commander von Klaus overestimates his strength and underestimates the Red Army. General Vinogradov is reassigned as chief of staff to support the new plan.

Muravyov issues a hard-edged order to halt the evacuation of industrial enterprises, insisting that an empty city cannot be defended. The defense shifts to protecting valuable production capacity and infrastructure. The battle intensifies as German forces pour in more troops.

Vinogradov is reassigned as chief of staff, and Muravyov replaces General Krivenko with General Panteleev, a fortifications expert. The new leadership aims to strengthen the defensive posture and leverage the city’s fortifications. The command reshuffle signals a more cautious, methodical defense strategy.

Panteleev argues that the city's defensive position can hinder German tank maneuvers and proposes measures for an active defense. He drafts plans to fortify key buildings and create chokepoints that neutralize German advantages. Muravyov emphasizes defending every building on the western bank of the Volga.

Muravyov predicts the Germans will deploy their best divisions to seize the city, creating an opportunity for a Soviet counterstrike. He stresses exploiting the city’s terrain and fortifications to slow the enemy and set the stage for a counteroffensive.

Soviet intelligence reports the timing of the German final assault, allowing Muravyov to plan a concentrated artillery strike. The plan aims to weaken the approaching German concentrations before the main attack. The stage is set for a pivotal moment in the defense.

At 3 a.m., a heavy artillery barrage smashes the German concentrations. The timing creates hesitation and forces von Klaus to decide whether to press the attack or halt for a moment of reconnaissance. The bombardment signals a turning point in the night battle.

Von Klaus launches his offensive despite heavy losses, triggering a robust Soviet counterattack. Bolstered by strategic and front-line reserves, the Red Army pushes the Germans back and begins to turn the tide of the battle. The defense evolves into a decisive clash.

Soviet forces trap and destroy the enemy’s main forces; von Klaus and his staff are captured. Muravyov refuses to engage with him directly, remarking that 'Now, it’s Manstein who interests me.' The victory is framed as a step in a broader offensive plan rather than a standalone triumph.

The city's defense ends in a triumphant Red Army victory, celebrated nationwide. Muravyov frames the victory as part of a larger offensive, declaring the objective 'To the west, to Berlin' and signaling continued operations beyond the Volga city. The episode closes with a renewed drive toward the broader strategic goal.