soviet union

Initially, the CIA was suspicious of Soviet aviation expert Adolf Tolkachev. But he earned the agency's trust — and provided blueprints, documents and plans that were crucial to the U.S.

The system was considered a triumph by the Soviets, but was built by the same ruthless means that helped cause a famine, which killed millions in the 1930s.

Casualties for Soviet Russia far exceeded other allies arrayed against the Nazis. An estimated 24 million soldiers and civilians were killed.

Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov's classic, The Master and Margarita, ridiculed Soviet leaders and bureaucracy. It wasn't published until 27 years after his death, but it still resonates with Russians.