Considering the fact that the Soviets viewed not only their soldiers, but their civilians has expendable I can understand why upwards of 25 million were killed. Then we can add that to the countless killed under Stalin's purges and great agricultural plans! Instead of defending their country overseas, the Soviets just gave up ground and people, hoping for the Nazis to overextend in order for a counterattack. Not exactly the best way to fight for your people, but hey they helped win the war.