One of the rather controversial figures of the Great Patriotic War is Army General Dmitry Grigorievich Pavlov. Who was he—an enemy, a fool, or simply a victim of circumstances? It was Pavlov who is credited with creating the famous T-34. Although he didn’t participate directly in its creation, as the head of the Main Directorate of Armored Forces and Military Technology, he—after his experience in Spain—initiated work on a new tank with anti-shell armor, a diesel engine, and a 76.2-millimeter gun.
As for his work as head of the Western Military District, it’s hard to hold back the enemy when your hands are tied—especially when higher command wants to cover their own backs through you.
Personally, my opinion is that Pavlov was simply made a scapegoat, with other people’s mistakes pinned on him. But what if there were a chance to redo it—then how would the events unfold?