The recently aired three-part German documentary on Yle Areena delves into the harrowing experiences of veterans from the Battle of Stalingrad, highlighting the extreme conditions of urban warfare where starvation accounted for more deaths among the Germans than enemy bullets. The documentary recounts the encirclement of Germany's Sixth Army in Stalingrad in November 1942 and the subsequent Soviet counter-offensive led by General Georgi Zhukov, which marked a pivotal moment in World War II at the Volga River in early 1943 despite the conflict continuing for two more years.

Critics have called attention to the portrayal of the German side of the story, questioning if it romanticizes or softens the brutal realities faced by both troops and civilians during the siege. Despite the documentary's chilling accounts of suffering and loss, some viewers experienced a furious response, evidenced by heated discussions following its broadcast, indicating that there are deeply held sentiments surrounding the historical representation of such events.

The documentary, originally produced in 2003 and recently restored, provides a critical historical perspective that is relevant even for those not deeply familiar with World War II history. It serves as a reminder of the war's traumatic impacts, emphasizing the importance of revisiting and understanding the narratives that shaped modern European history, particularly regarding significant battles like Stalingrad.