Colonel Mainz listened carefully to Tukhachevsky's words, feeling a mix of surprise and contemplation.
Tsarist Russia had been immense. Over centuries of expansion, it had built a sprawling empire across Eurasia, driven by the ambition and fanaticism of its people. At its peak, the empire covered over 25 million square kilometers, stretching like a colossal bear across the continent—a feat that earned it the nickname "the Russian Bear."
By contrast, the post-World War I Russian state, still reeling from territorial losses, had shrunk to just over 500,000 square kilometers. The country had lost more than 90,000 square kilometers of land, leaving it a shadow of its former self. Tukhachevsky's pride was evident, yet Mainz was not offended. The general had reason to be proud; compared with the vastness of Tsarist Russia, Europe did seem small.
"The battlefields of World War I in Europe were concentrated mainly along the borders of France, Belgium, and the Low Countries," Tukhachevsky explained. "Even the southern front near the Alps, between Italy and France, was too constrained for large-scale battles. In Russia, however, our battlefields stretch from the Eastern European Plain to Siberia and the Caucasus Mountains. Our front lines extend thousands, even tens of thousands of kilometers."
Mainz nodded, understanding the significance. Many people thought of war in terms of tanks, aircraft, and artillery, but those who truly understood war knew that logistics were the backbone of any campaign. A nation's infrastructure, industry, and resources could determine the outcome as much as combat strategy. Yet unforeseen events and critical decisions by generals could tip the balance, which is why brilliant leaders are remembered in history.
Since the outbreak of the Russian Civil War, warfare had become increasingly dependent on national strength, and the influence of individual genius had diminished. Still, even in total wars, decisive generals could shape outcomes—a truth evident in later conflicts worldwide. Conducting campaigns across thousands of kilometers was an entirely different challenge than fighting over a few hundred, requiring tactics adapted to local conditions and terrain.
Mainz asked carefully, "So, General Tukhachevsky, what do you think about the war in Europe?"
Tukhachevsky appreciated the discretion. As a commander, it was risky to reveal Russia's military secrets, but Europe could be discussed freely.
"I believe the war in Europe has become a meaningless meat grinder," he said, frowning. "The dense populations and small terrain leave little room for maneuver. Trench warfare is almost inevitable, yet it stifles creativity and forces all nations into the same rigid pattern. If a solution to trench warfare isn't found, future conflicts there will be nothing more than battles of manpower and artillery."
Having endured trench warfare firsthand, Tukhachevsky despised it. Endless mud, rats, corpses, enemy snipers, and artillery strikes could drive any man to despair. He allowed himself a faint satisfaction at imagining European armies trapped in such conditions, though he concealed it from Mainz.
Mainz, initially tense, relaxed slightly. Tukhachevsky had not yet developed a solution for trench warfare. His thinking was limited to overcoming entrenched positions, rather than inventing entirely new tactics. That was reassuring to Mainz; if Tukhachevsky had already devised modern tank-based strategies, it would have been alarming.
Tukhachevsky's expertise in cavalry tactics remained vital in the vast Russian territories, where mobility was critical. Most senior Soviet generals shared such experience. Yet Tukhachevsky did not attempt to use cavalry against trench positions. History had proven the futility of such attacks: during the Battle of the Somme, British cavalry suffered 60,000 casualties assaulting German trenches. The lesson was clear.
Tukhachevsky's caution reflected practical limitations, not incompetence. The Russian army lacked experience with tanks and armored vehicles, and without such equipment, there was no way to develop effective strategies.
Colonel Mainz wiped his brow. Any plans to supply tanks to the Soviet forces could be set aside for now. The Russians would not gain such advanced weapons easily—not from Germany, and likely not from any other source.
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