"The story of the Seelow Heights Is a story of success": common myth about the storming of Berlin debunked at the National Centre RUSSIA
During the first lecture of a new series of historical meetings at the National Centre RUSSIA, experts examined persistent myths surrounding the storming of Berlin. Special attention was given to the Seelow Heights — one of the most mythologised sectors of the Berlin Offensive Operation of May 1945, which changed the course of world history. Guests of the Open Lecture Hall learned that the operation at the Seelow Heights became not only an example of tactical success, but also a kind of textbook still studied by military specialists around the world.
In popular perception, the Seelow Heights are often associated with excessive losses and mistakes made by the Soviet command. However, the choice of that direction was far from accidental. Military historian and member of the Scientific Council of the Russian Military Historical Society Alexei Isayev explained that the enduring myth of the "wrong" assault on the heights did not emerge in 1945, but several years later, amid political tensions.
"When Georgy Zhukov fell from favor, an article signed by Ivan Stepanovich Konev was published in one of the central newspapers in 1957. It was in that article that the claim first appeared that the decision to attack in this direction had been mistaken, that heavy losses had been suffered, and that the troops had been delayed. From that moment on, without exaggeration, the dark legend of the Seelow Heights began," Alexei Isayev explained.
In reality, the Seelow Heights were not an unbroken wall, but an area with clearly vulnerable points. The Soviet command identified and exploited these weaknesses. Using photographs, Alexei Isayev demonstrated how the flanking maneuver had been organised.
"The Seelow Heights were not attacked head-on. The 1st Guards Tank Army advanced along the northern edge, bypassing them. Meanwhile, the 2nd Guards Tank Army broke through a narrow corridor in the defense of the German 9th Parachute Division. By effectively piercing the enemy defense like a needle, our troops managed to break through the tactical line and reach the rear of the enemy forces positioned on the Seelow Heights,” Alexei Isayev explained.
According to the military historian, the story of the Seelow Heights deserves to be included in textbooks on operational art and tactics as an example of highly skillful maneuvering and the ability to identify weak points in enemy defenses. Particularly revealing was the expert's account of how this experience is viewed abroad today. Alexei Isayev encountered this personally while visiting the Seelow Heights.
"In reality, this is a story of success. Yes, the defenses were broken through more slowly than planned, but they were broken through, without any doubt, competently and professionally. When I visited the Seelow Heights, the tour was conducted for me using an album of maps with NATO markings. I asked, 'What are these markings for?' and was told that NATO officers regularly come here to study how the Russians broke through the Seelow Heights. They already have a ready-made, worn-out album with maps and photographs. It is a field study trip for NATO officers — they are shown how it should be done," Alexei Isayev concluded.
The new series of historical meetings launched on 22 May at the National Centre RUSSIA with the support of the Russian Military Historical Society, the "I Remember" Foundation, and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives. Its main goal is to present the history of Russia in an accurate and engaging way, inspiring audiences to feel connected to the great events of the past and building a bridge between the heroes of previous eras and modern generations. The events in the series will be held monthly. Leading historians and invited experts will discuss key historical events, analyse widespread misconceptions, and answer questions from the audience.
The next meeting in the series will take place on 23 June. The Open Lecture Hall, titled "Myths and Truth About 22 June 1941," will debunk the main myths surrounding the first day of the Great Patriotic War using facts and figures. Admission is free with prior registration on the official website russia.ru in the "Events" section.
Event photobank
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