Stalin's mind was at least as good as that of Lin Wei or Hitt? Le thought the same thing. Their thinking was different from that of most generals of this era, that is, they believed that Kiev was even more important than Moscow. In the long run, attacking Moscow might make the Soviet Union compromise and give up resistance, thereby achieving a quick war. A quick decision plan, but given Stalin's character, this was almost impossible. Attacking Ukraine and occupying Kiev can greatly weaken the overall strength of the Soviet Union. Putting the Soviet Union at a disadvantage in terms of overall strength would have a far-reaching impact, but the only disadvantage is that this impact may be slow to take effect, and may even harm others and self-interest. Historically, Germany occupied Ukraine, but did not make good use of Ukraine's power. Until the Soviet Red Army began its counterattack, Ukraine basically brought no benefits to Germany except food.
After the German High Command discovered that there was an extremely favorable situation in Ukraine, it immediately relaxed the Supreme High Command's insistence on attacking Moscow. After all, the current situation was so favorable that no one could remain calm under such circumstances.
The two vanguard units of Army Group Center and Army Group South attacking * have formed a trend of advancing hand in hand, almost forming a straight line. The two are about 550 kilometers apart, and the center of the line is also about 550 kilometers from the rear. . In this way, an almost equilateral triangular area is formed. A complete Soviet front army is located within this triangular area. According to the current situation of the German Wehrmacht, annihilating them does not seem to be a difficulty. No one is a saint. Those who are calm The famous German general staff could not give up such an opportunity to achieve a great victory.
The outline of a plan was formed in Yodel's mind: if the two vanguards in the above-mentioned triangle area could join together, they could annihilate the enemies near Kiev in one fell swoop. However, at this time a decisive practical problem emerged, that is, the problem of protecting the wings. Army Group Center may have a long southern flank when it marches toward Moscow. A large number of infantry divisions are needed to cover this flank, and the German Army does not have so many infantry divisions. In case the Soviet Southwest Front in Kiev cuts off Army Group Center when it attacks Moscow. It would be terrible if the retreat of Army Group Center was blocked. The only way now is to annihilate this force and remove the threat to Army Group Center.
Admiral Jodl, Chief of the Operations Directorate of the Supreme Command, told Marshal Blomberg, "The industrial area near Leningrad is our main target, because Leningrad is closest to the border in three directions, and Leningrad is Le has the smallest garrison. As for Moscow and Ukraine, there are several reasons why I prefer the latter: first, because Army Group South seems to have established a basis for victory; second, I believe that Ukraine’s raw materials and agricultural products are of great value to Germany's future operations are of great importance; thirdly, I think Crimea is an air base used by Russia to bomb Romanian oil fields, so it must be eradicated."
"In the long run, Admiral Yodel's words seem to be correct!" Marshal Brauchitsch objected, "But Moscow, as the center of power in the Soviet Union, has a unique role, which is far from comparable to Leningrad and Kiev. , you must know that once Moscow falls, it will be a huge blow to the Soviet people’s determination to resist, and they will think that Germany is invincible and surrender!”
"Do you think Stalin will surrender?" Admiral Yoder argued on another topic, "Although we won the fierce battle in Smolensk, you didn't realize that two million Soviet soldiers have left since we started the war. We entered a prisoner of war camp, but in Smolensk, the Soviets actually mobilized so many troops. With such resistance, can we capture Moscow in a short time?"
"I don't know!" Marshal Brauchic shook his head sadly, it seems? After the Battle of Smolensk, Marshal Brauchich had some doubts about his plan to quickly capture Moscow, "But this is an opportunity. After capturing Moscow, the Soviet Union may give up resistance! Although this opportunity is very small, we are going to Try it!"
“If we don’t completely annihilate the Southwest Front in the southern part of the Soviet Union, Army Group Center alone cannot easily capture Moscow. The same goes for the Northern Front. When we have leveled Leningrad and Kiev, wouldn’t we be more confident in attacking Moscow? ?” General Jodl seemed a little unsafe in saying this at the end, and said, “If we, Germany, were defeated in the capital now, do you think Hitler would surrender?”
Marshal Brauchitsch was about to retort when he suddenly fell silent when he heard Admiral Yodel say this. Marshal Brauchitsch wanted to say yes, but how about him versus Hit? Le's understanding, Hit? Even if he died, he would never surrender. Being the head of a powerful country, he would not allow himself to be treated like this. Marshal Brauchic, whose face was gloomy and uncertain, said with difficulty after a long time, "No." !”
"That's right!" General Yoder took off his glasses and wiped them, and said softly, "They are the same kind of people. Since Hitler can't do it, Stalin definitely can't do it either!"
"Okay, now that we've come to a conclusion!" Marshal Blomberg pressed his hands to end the debate, "Marshal Brauchich means to attack Moscow to force the Soviet Union to surrender, and General Yoder means to , seize Leningrad and Ukraine, fight steadily! I personally believe that after completely annihilating the Northwest Front Army and the Southwest Front Army, the Soviet Union will be unable to resist, so it is imperative to annihilate the Soviet Union’s most powerful Southwest Front Army, giving Lundstre Marshal Special is generating electricity. Army Group South can create opportunities in Ukraine. The First SS Armored Corps has moved south. At the same time, Army Group Southeast will cooperate with them. As for the problem of Leningrad, let me think about it. By the way, let Huo Huo The General's Third Armored Army moves north, joins the 6th SS Northern Mountain Division and the 7th Prinz Eugen Division, and attacks Leningrad!"
"Bloomberg, you want to mobilize the armored armies of Army Group Center?" Marshal Brauchich jumped up and objected, "This will weaken the power to attack Moscow. I have no objection to launching a war in Ukraine, but you can't mobilize them." The strength of the Central Army Group is at least as important as Moscow and Ukraine! I think it is enough for the Southeast Army Group to support the Southern Army Group. You must know that the two army groups combined have more than 1.5 million people. According to our intelligence, the Southwest Front Although it is the most powerful front army of the Soviet Union, its number will never exceed one million, and there are not many Soviet defenders in Leningrad!"
Marshal Blomberg, who had always had a good relationship with Marshal Brauchic, did not listen to Marshal Brauchic's opinion this time. He looked at Marshal Brauchic helplessly, lit a cigar and smoked it under Brauchic's nose. He said with a hoarse voice, "Brauchic, the war is not that simple. Our four armored armies have suffered a lot since the beginning of the war. From the Baltic Sea to Leningrad, from Romania to Ukraine, the armor force has been consumed hugely. , especially in the battle between Army Group Center through Brest, Minsk, and Smolensk, the western gate of Moscow, the two armored armies of Army Group Center have lost 40% of their armored strength. It has to be said that the Soviet Red Army The losses caused to us have far exceeded the sum of the French and British campaigns. Now the Central Army Group, with the Armored Army as the leading force, has to stop and rest. Instead of stopping in Smolensk to wait for replenishment, it is better to first Free up your hands to help Army Group South and Army Group North solve the problems they face!" On major issues, Marshal Blomberg and Marshal Brauchitsch have always maintained a constant attitude, but this time Marshal Blomberg really felt , the problem should be solved safely. Attacking Moscow may cause the Soviet Union to collapse, but this possibility is so small that Brauchich, who has always supported Brauchić, feels that he cannot take such a big risk in the hope that Stalin will surrender.
"Okay!" Marshal Blomberg's statement let Marshal Brauchich know that his opinion on this matter has become a minority, but he still asked Army Group Center to attack Moscow immediately after receiving reinforcements. Blomberg Marshal Bromberg did not agree immediately, but called Dr. Schacht, the Minister of Economy. After a long exchange, Dr. Schachter convinced Marshal Bloomberg of the power of the current German wartime system. After hearing about it, After confirming the amount of supplies required by Marshal Blomberg, Dr. Schachter made a brief calculation and said, "There is no problem at all. In the two months since the war began, our monthly tank production has been three hundred and twenty Panther tanks. Two and 480 Panzer IV tanks, for a total of 1,600, can now be sent to the front line via railway. However, the only regret is that the railways in Eastern Europe are different from ours, so the delivery speed is somewhat slow!"
Dr. Schacht's confident voice made the generals in the Supreme Command once again realize the power of total warfare. After receiving a comprehensive report on the German economy and confirming that Germany could withstand such a war, Marshal Blomberg responded affirmatively to Brauchitsch's suggestion; "The plan to attack Moscow is inconvenient, but it can only be temporarily eliminated." Guderian's Panzer Group acted alone!" Marshal Blomberg's attitude shows that the German High Command has decided to maintain a full-scale offensive posture on the northern, central and southern fronts, possibly from August to September. Germany may even engage in large-scale wars with the Soviet Union in Leningrad, Moscow, and Kiev, in the north, center, and south, at the same time, and even decide the direction of the war in 1941.
"Okay!" After Marshal Blomberg unified his opinions, he glanced at the people who had been discussing with lightning eyes. After seeing that he was satisfied with the effect, he said, "The Thirty-Fourth High Command of the Supreme Command" The order dictates that before the onset of winter the main goal must be achieved. This is not only Moscow, but also in the south, the occupation of Crimea and the industrial and coal-producing regions of Donets, and the cutting off of the oil-producing regions of the Caucasus; To the north is to encircle and occupy Leningrad. The above actions and the attack on Moscow are carried out by Army Group Center. On the south line, Army Group Southeast is taking actions in cooperation with Army Group South. On the north line, Army Group North, the 3rd Armored Army and the Norwegian Army are carried out. Execute, right, those two Waffen SS divisions!”
Colonel Schmentt's staff quickly recorded Marshal Blomberg's order, then immediately sorted it out and distributed it to each unit. "Staff colonel is a military rank in the German army. In addition, there are staff lieutenant colonel, staff major, and staff captain. Officers awarded this rank usually work in high command and staff departments. They are strictly selected and specially trained. They wear collar insignia of a special color and are preferred over other officers in terms of promotion. 》
While the High Command at No. 10 Bandlerstrasse in Berlin was deciding where Germany would attack next, Stalin, the highest authority in the Soviet Union, the Kremlin, was doing the same thing. After the Battle of Lensk, although Marshal Timoshenko did not achieve Stalin's expected goals, Marshal Bock's Army Group Center adopted a defensive posture at this time, so Stalin was convinced that it would be short time before the German Army Group Center faced Moscow directly. Since they are unable to attack, they are also judging Germany's next plan.
In the huge office of the Soviet High Command, Stalin was holding his unique big pipe in his mouth and looked at the four important generals in front of him, Zhukov, Timoshenko, Rokossovsky and Vasilevsky, and Molotov, Voroshilov, Shaposhnikov and others said, "Marshal Budyonny has felt the aggressive pressure of the Germans. As we thought, the Germans' next target is It must be Ukraine. It must obtain Ukrainian food and occupy the industrial and coal-producing areas of Crimea and Donets, thereby disintegrating the will of our people to resist! Marshal Timoshenko, do you have any plans?" For the successful prevention of the German Central Committee Marshal Timoshenko, who launched the army group attack, now had a sharp rise in status in Stalin's heart.
Marshal Timoshenko pondered for a moment and said, "The most powerful of Germany's three-pronged offensive army is still Army Group Center. This is still the case now. Even the combined number of Army Group South and Army Group Southeast has exceeded 150. One hundred thousand, I still think Marshal Budyonny has no problem. You must know that it is not only the Southwest Front in Ukraine, but also the completed Southern Front! The combined number of the two fronts is 1.2 million, Although we are still at a disadvantage in terms of numbers, the German army is completely incomparable to our army!"
"Oh? Why?" Timoshenko's words made Stalin's confidence, which had been gradually disappearing since the beginning of the war, return to his side, so he couldn't wait to ask.
"Because Germany's Southeast Army Group is composed of the armed SS, only three of the nearly forty divisions to which the Southeast Army Group currently belongs have participated in the war, and the recruit rate has reached 90%!" Timoshin! Marshal Ge rolled his eyes and said, "Since the Germans have begun to defend in the central area, why don't we attack in Smolensk?"
"Yes, this is a good idea!" Stalin agreed to Marshal Timoshenko's idea without even thinking about it. When Zhukov saw this, he was about to stop him, but Vasilevsky next to him secretly tugged his clothes. He asked him not to speak. When Vasilevsky reminded him, Zhukov said without paying attention, "I think we should agree with Marshal Budyonny's opinion, withdraw from Kiev and concentrate on defending Moscow!" Zhukov was already speaking He tried to be calm. In his opinion, Stalin's military ability was really limited. Although Zhukov has a bad temper, he is also divided. In front of Stalin, few people in the Soviet Union can become violent. It would be okay if Stalin could tolerate your talents, but Stalin obviously has no reason to tolerate Zhukov now.
Sure enough, Stalin did not tolerate Zhukov's opinion and said, "Constantinovich, are you as frightened by the German attack as Marshal Budyonny? We still have more than one million troops in Ukraine, are you? Are you going to give Ukraine to the enemy without firing a shot? I think you are no longer suitable for your position. The commander of the reserve front army is more suitable for you!" The price of Zhukov's stubbornness was that Stalin was directly demoted to the reserve force. The commander of the front army, Vasilevsky, could only continue to meditate, pretending to have seen nothing.
After denigrating Zhukov for no reason, Stalin ordered Marshal Timoshenko to immediately organize in Smolensk, because he had been persuaded by Marshal Timoshenko. If the threat from Moscow could be eliminated, it would definitely be the best for the Soviet Union. An important priority, Stalin thought this way entirely because Army Group Center's proper rest and reorganization gave Stalin the illusion that Germany's offensive power had reached its limit.
On the German side, Field Marshal von Bock, commander of Army Group Center, and his army commanders agreed that the attack in the direction of Moscow must continue unconditionally, while General Huth and Guderian, commanders of the Panzer Army, requested a halt to the attack so that they could The extremely exhausted divisions were restored and replenished, but the two armored groups were able to prepare for the attack on August 20 and August 21 respectively. On behalf of the Supreme High Command, Commander-in-Chief von Blomberg accepted the Panzer Army's proposal, but asked General Hoth's Third Panzer Army to go to Leningrad, and the newly added tanks would also be sent there.
This order calmed the dissatisfaction of the Armored Group Army. General Huot immediately led the Third Armored Group north to Leningrad. At this time, the Southern Army Group had already begun to attack according to the plan. At this time, Linwei, who was already in Estonia, received the response from the Kremlin Army. Lawford's telegram stated that Marshal Rundstedt had ordered the Southeast Army Group to set off immediately to participate in the battle.