i would say “fantastic speculation” are not from the lack of the documents – but from the lack of knowledge! in particular, from Suvorov and some other authors…

Of course, the whole problem is that Medvedev’s initiative does not seem to be aimed at supporting the truth. It looks more like yet another ‘the whole world is against us!’ initiative — as if someone, somewhere, was going to deny that Russia won the war against Nazi Germany… Increase xenophobia to get internal unity. The oldest trick in the book.

First, on Suvorov–I’ll post something soon with my full thoughts on Suvorov. I’m certainly not a whole-hearted supporter, but I do think he raises points worth discussing. The reason they’re worth discussing is that there are still big gaps in our knowledge about Soviet policy 1939-1941.

Second, you’re certainly correct that all governments keep secrets. But it’s specifically Medvedev’s government that has complained about historical falsification and set up a Ministry of Truth composed almost entirely of chinovniki to fight falsification. If Medvedev is so concerned that historians tell the truth about the Soviet Union in World War II, then he should give them the resources to find the truth instead of commissioning bureaucrats to decide what that truth needs to be.

not sure if you post this comment but, the whole initial post is a little funny:

1) “the key to resolving the truth or falsehood of Suvorov’s accusations…” – are you really serious? Suvorov is a joke… anybody who is interested in russian military history does not take him seriously…

2) anyway, demanding opening all state archives is kind of ridiculous… show me any state/government who does it…

Thanks for the reminder on the MoD. I’d make two comments.

First, given my experience in Russian archives, I’d want confirmation from someone who’s actually been to Podolsk about full access to finding aids and documents.

Second, while full access to World War II materials in the hands of MoD would be a fine thing, that would not change the importance of the materials under Medvedev’s control in the Presidential Archive.

I stand by my original point: if Medvedev is genuinely worried about falsification, the best way to combat that is with full access for all researchers to the source materials, and in particular to the Presidential Archive.