They are considered to be “military ignoramuses” and “incompetent commanders in chief”, guilty of “lost victories”, defeats and losses of their armies. They are denied strategic gifts and the title of military leaders, accused of unforgivable mistakes, blatant miscalculations and war crimes. Do Stalin and Hitler deserve such derogatory assessments? Would the Wehrmacht have won its resounding victories without Hitler’s adventurous courage, extraordinary decisions, wild luck and strategic insights? Would the Red Army have survived without the iron will, phenomenal instinct and dedication of Stalin, who knew how to be merciless not only to others, but also to himself? Is it true that the USSR won the war in spite of the Supreme Commander - or thanks to him? This sensational book for the first time analyzes the activities of both commanders-in-chief objectively and impartially, without regard to censorship, ideological blinders and routine curses. Stalin against Hitler! Soviet Leader against the Nazi Fuhrer! Russian fortitude against German valor! Merciless duel of the Supreme Commanders!