German forces race across the Soviet Union, but need to take Moscow before winter. Stalin evokes heroes of the past to inspire Russian heroism against Hitler. Show more

An 'iron curtain' dividing Europe comes to define the realities of post-war Europe. The first flashpoint in this conflict of ideologies centres on Berlin. The Cold War has begun. Show more

By the time Russia drives the Nazis back to Berlin and defeat, 25 million Soviets have died in the war; Stalin crushes all hope of more freedom at home; abroad the Cold War begins. Show more

Martin Sixsmith's history began in the 9th century, when Russia was a collection of warring tribes. He now vividly portrays Ivan the Terrible's iron fist in his bid to find unity. Show more

As the empire expands, the Russian state is in turmoil. Martin Sixsmith examines Russia's Time of Troubles and its troubled rulers before a new, strong dynasty emerges. Show more

The huge spaces of Siberia were opened up in the 17th century. Martin Sixsmith tells how it became a source of wealth, and a place of exile. Show more

Peter the Great, huge in stature and ambition, the architect of Russia's future, brings a new energy to the nation. Show more

Martin Sixsmith visits St Petersburg. Peter the Great's unique memorial is a window on the West, but how European was he really in terms of democracy, justice and the rule of law. Show more

Martin Sixsmith's history began in the 9th century when Russia was a collection of warring tribes. He now vividly portrays Ivan the Terrible's iron fist in his bid to find unity. Show more

Soviet society becomes an all-consuming military state as Stalin attempts to rebuff the Germans. Leningrad suffers the most, the siege epitomising the courage of the Soviet people. Show more

Victory at Stalingrad in February 1943 turned the tide of the war, and the retreat westward gathered pace. On May 9, Berlin fell to Soviet troops and Germany surrendered. Show more

Victory was a chance for national unity but ethnic tensions resurface after the war. Stalin crushes all hopes of greater freedom as the party-state reasserts its grip on power. Show more

Leonid Brezhnev's 'era of stagnation' returns the country to the conservatism of the past. The USSR begins the inexorable decline that would end in collapse 25 years later. Show more

By Martin Sixsmith. The Kronshtadt rebels force the Bolsheviks to rethink how they exercise power. Lenin sends Trotsky to crush the uprising but has to offer economic concessions. Show more

By Martin Sixsmith. Stalin crushes all opposition to emerge as Lenin's successor. He abandons world revolution, centralises state and party rule and suppresses national minorities. Show more

Martin Sixsmith traces the history of Russia. In this episode, the Bolsheviks grab power from the constituent assembly and end hopes of democracy; Lenin is succeeded by Stalin. Show more

Martin Sixsmith begins his major series, telling the story of Russia's journey from a collection of tribes over 1000 years ago to its present place among the world's nations. Show more

The first selected episode from Martin Sixsmith's history of Russia reflects on the earliest times, in the 10th century, when Kiev was the capital of all the Russian states. Show more

The second of these selected episodes from Martin Sixsmith's history of Russia continues the earliest story of Russia's relationship with Ukraine. Show more