What Soviet military tactic was so outlandish it seems almost unbelievable?

 By April 1945 with the Red Army approaching the capital city of Berlin they went into fierce battles against the German Army at the Seelow Heights. The high ground is a natural fortress well protected with soldiers and weapons. Marshal Zhukov the leader of the Soviet forces needed a way to get through.

Zhukov was famous for his bold operations and he had a marvelous plan. The night on April 16th started with massive artillery bombardment and immediately behind this 143 brilliant searchlights brightly illuminated the battlefield.

These weren't just regular spotlights—they were huge searchlights designed to find enemy bombers. The bright light was so intense that it temporarily blinded German soldiers, making it hard for them to aim or shoot properly.

This gave the Soviets a big advantage. The blinding lights confused the Germans, making it difficult for them to focus and defend themselves. As a result, the Soviets were able to move forward and take more land, something the Germans didn’t expect.

But the searchlights weren’t perfect. They also made the Soviet troops easier to spot, putting them in more danger. Plus, the smoke and dust from the fighting reduced the lights' effectiveness as the battle went on.

Still, using searchlights to light up the Seelow Heights was a clever and surprising move. It showed General Zhukov’s creativity and willingness to try new things. This tactic helped the Soviets win and eventually capture Berlin. It proves that sometimes, the most unusual ideas can work in war, and that being flexible and thinking outside the box is key when facing a tough enemy.