Joseph glanced at Marshal Shaposhnikov and General Zhukov, then said with finality, "I will not leave Moscow. Do not try to persuade me again. Rather than wasting your thoughts on this, think about how to withstand the Germans' attack and hold Moscow! As long as we can hold out in Moscow, we can thwart the Germans' conspiracy. We will still have hope!"
Seeing that Joseph had set his heart on remaining in Moscow, Marshal Shaposhnikov and General Zhukov knew there was no way to persuade him further and could only say no more. Continuing to press him would instead provoke Joseph's displeasure, perhaps even arouse too much suspicion. After all, Joseph had always been a suspicious man.
"Comrade Joseph, we currently have a total of 2.5 million men in Moscow and its outskirts. Although that is no small force, we are still at a disadvantage compared with the German military. Once the gap in weapons, equipment, and soldier quality is taken into account, our disadvantage becomes even more apparent. Though we are on the defensive in the Battle of Moscow and can rely on fortifications to wear down the German military's living strength, their firepower advantage is extremely obvious. Therefore, holding Moscow will be very difficult. Before the German military completely encircles Moscow, we need to concentrate more troops and more war supplies here, preparing for a stubborn defense of Moscow!" General Zhukov said.
Joseph nodded. He understood very well the disadvantage the Russian military was currently facing.
"Comrade Shaposhnikov, in the name of the General Staff Headquarters, mobilize more troops to Moscow. Transport all kinds of war supplies here as much as possible as well," Joseph ordered.
"Yes, Comrade Joseph." Marshal Shaposhnikov nodded.
"Comrade Joseph, I have a suggestion," Marshal Voroshilov said.
After suffering losses in both troops and