The Key Reason Germany Didn’t Arm Ukraine And Hungary In Their Battle Against Russia

Axis Allies?

When Nazi Germany invaded Russia during Operation Barbarossa they were in for an uphill battle. It was a battle that Germany would eventually lose but they had options that could have turned the tide in their favor. One of those options was recruiting an army from nearby countries allied with the Axis Powers, but they had a reason for inviting them to their ranks.

Nearby nations such as Ukraine, Finland and Hungary did not want the Soviet Union’s communist influence advancing but the Germans never invited them to join their war effort. Ultimately it boils down to resources that a nation can provide their troops to lead an assault. In particular, food was most necessary element to supply to troops and Germany had begun rationing for their own citizens so providing aid to other nourishment wasn’t an exactly a priority.

Adolf Hitler was also against the idea of integrating foreign troops into the Wehrmacht and would only support the idea roughly a year later as their numbers began to dwindle. There were also not enough heavy weapons to supply to additional troops and Germany felt confident in their own troops to defeat the Russians.

Military History Vlogs gives an interesting look at the resource war that could have turned the tide of war if Germany had been a little more generous.