Forgotten Bastards of the Eastern Front

In this gripping narrative, Serhii Plokhy explores the complex dynamics of the Grand Alliance during World War II, focusing on a proposed American operation to establish airbases in Soviet territory to support the fight against Nazi Germany. As tensions rise over foreign troops on Soviet soil, the operations known as Operation Baseball and Frantic unfold, revealing the underlying conflicts between the allies despite their shared objective of defeating Germany. Plokhy highlights the shadowy presence of Soviet secret police and the challenges faced during these missions, ultimately foreshadowing the deteriorating relations that led to the Cold War.