Mannerheim line: was the alternative at the Red Army?

Introduction. The article is a continuation of the previously published study “Once Again About The Mannerheim Line”. Methods. The author, on the basis of publicly available information and open sources, is trying to prove that during the Soviet-Finnish war, the Red Army, thrown into a bloody assault on the lines of fortifications on the Karelian Isthmus, could rely on its considerable combat and training experience. Results. Perhaps Stalin and the top leadership of the USSR did not set big goals for the Red Army, the goal was only to show the Finns that they have two ways: concessions or a merciless war. However, the political goals of the war, as Svechin wrote, are achieved not only by the crushing of the army, but also by starvation, the destruction of industry, and also by demonstratively successful actions of the army. But Svechin and other prominent military theorists were shot shortly before the war. To the question why there was no alternative, we cannot give an answer. She was either rejected or simply not considered. In both cases, rather, for the reason that very many of those who could offer alternative plans for offensive operations and strategies, tactical methods of warfare, were already declared “enemies of the people”, “agents of imperialism”. How was it possible to refer to their experience and knowledge? Conclusions. As the Great Patriotic War showed, the actions of river flotilla, naval landing, airborne landing and ski squadrons turned out to be very effective and popular methods of warfare. Nevertheless, many talented military leaders, commanders of various ranks and soldiers of the Red Army were not destined to apply their knowledge and experience either during the aggression against Finland, or by defending their country from the Nazis.