Even though the Ukraine had suffered badly because of the deprivation during the Stalin regime, the Ukrainian people fought during World War II for the interests of Russia against the Nazis. The documentary shows, how the Soviet nation broke the German power over Russia because of sending out lots of so-called "shock" troops. The film also shows the atrocities of the Nazis against the civilian population. But the main subject of the film is the battle for Kharkov, in which the Germans are driven away across the river Dneiper. Beautiful landscapes contrast with the destruction. Houses and cities turn into ruins. After the destroyed city Kharkov is reinhabited, people are interviewed in front of the camera, telling about the bloody fights against the Germans.