Marshal Voroshilov and General Shaposhnikov had risen to their current positions in Buru not only because they had clung tightly to Joseph's coattails, but also because of their own abilities. Joseph was no fool—how could he truly appoint mediocre men as People's Commissar of Defense and Chief of the General Staff?
Unless Joseph truly no longer wished to win the war.
With the insight of Marshal Voroshilov and General Shaposhnikov, they could naturally see that the current war was extremely unfavorable to Buru. Although the war had only just begun, they had already been suppressed. And as their losses mounted, their disadvantage would only become more apparent. Before long, the front lines would likely collapse.
"We must find a way to preserve the army's strength as much as possible. Otherwise, once our losses become too great, it will be detrimental to the war ahead!" Marshal Voroshilov said.
General Shaposhnikov nodded. "Our advantages lie in our vast territory and enormous army. Trying to fight the Germans head-on in the west is truly not a good idea. The Germans began plotting against us twenty years ago, building a great many roads and railways on the western front. Relying on those transportation networks, the Germans can advance rapidly in the west, while we will find it difficult to withstand their attacks. If we continue to hold this region to the death, our losses will only grow greater and greater."
"Yes, it would be best if we could retreat eastward and rely on the major cities to block the Germans. That would further stretch the Germans' logistical supply lines. Our disadvantage would also be much smaller," Marshal Voroshilov said.
"But Comrade Joseph will probably not agree to the army retreating. If we retreat, we would be voluntarily giving up vast stretches of territory," General