The Next World War | Episode 7 | Operation Citadel

As Russian ground forces advance through the Baltics, NATO prepares a high-risk operation with no way out. The Next World War is a documentary series that takes a terrifying and realistic look at a hypothetical Third World War scenario.
Commentary from the author: my original plan was to have episode 7 be the entire NATO landing. But what I found in writing the script was that in order to give the plan context and depth, the script chewed up the entire allocated time, which I try to keep to around 6-ish minutes so that I can put out one these episodes each month (each takes about 60 hours or so). So I understand if some were hoping to leap right into the action this episode. So was I, originally! But with this episode done, I can now focus on JUST the invasion the next couple of episodes. Thanks.
This video was created in part using content of Bohemia Interactive a.s. Copyright © 2018 Bohemia Interactive a.s. All rights reserved. www.bistudio.com This video was created in part using content of Eagle Dynamics SA Copyright © 1991-2023 All rights reserved. www.digitalcom...
Other games and software used include:
Command: Modern Operations by Slitherine Software www.slitherine... Digital Combat Simulator | DCS World | Combat Simulator by Eagle Dynamics www.digitalcom...
Cold Waters
killerfishgame...
Map.Army www.map.army/
GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program www.gimp.org/
Davinci Resolve www.blackmagic...

[@TheWarriorz90]

These videos NEED to be longer, these are awesome 🤙

[@antpearson9676]

Yes but the effort outbinto them. And the level of accurate research is huge

[@flatcirclehistory]

I hear ya! Would love to. If only I could clone me.

[@kjm2199]

Love these videos! Maybe they should wait longer between episodes to make them longer?

[@user-tt3xu2hf5b]

@@flatcirclehistorymate don’t worry, they’re brilliant as they are for 1 man. Really unique work, keep it up💪

[@Predator27007]

Truly remarkable work. Not only your skills, but the eerie documentary style reminds me of The World At War series from 1973

[@SDBDUB]

As a military/sci-fi writer myself, these videos and their story are excellent. Please keep this up.

[@ConradAinger]

I disagree. The stories are predictable: NATO wins Must be a moral imperative!

[@summitap1]

I like your historical analogies. They are apt and not overplayed. Keep up the good work!

[@flatcirclehistory]

Thank you. I wrote those lines in the script and then began to second guess myself of whether people would take issue with them. But in the end it just felt authentic - and that's what you go with. Thanks for noticing.

[@davidcave7986]

@@flatcirclehistory that highway scene was a war crime however since Russia did it I'm not surprised

[@flatcirclehistory]

@Combatography None taken. I don't know your background, but if you have relevant experience and can provide constructive input, I'm all ears. My contact info is in the about section of the channel, or via the Flat Circle History Patreon site.

[@DEP717]

Honestly, Military Commanders study history a lot, and it fits. Patton talked about historical battles all the time. These are very well done, especially given current events. Well done. Hackett and Clancy for the 2020s, indeed.

[@jasonmussett2129]

Another great episode. Well done😀👍

[@flatcirclehistory]

thanks!

[@Landmine221]

You think we weren’t gonna notice this amazing piece of alternate history writing. Man you tripping.

[@McHugh1949]

Great series, sent a link to my friends. Hope episode 8 is out soon.

[@flatcirclehistory]

Editing on 8 as we speak

[@sid2112]

@@flatcirclehistory Good to hear!

[@asymptoticsingularity9281]

I missed the drag shows. I am sure they were Fabulous!!!

[@EDK105]

This has no reason to be too good as it is. Keep up the great work!

[@deanrobinson4129]

Great production just wish they were longer episodes, also no way Russia could manage this combined arms invasion

[@chrisloUSA]

Fantastic series, please keep them coming!

[@minecraft-rsx]

This is soooo cool. John this needs to be a movie

[@flatcirclehistory]

I'll have to think who would play me in the movie. ;)

[@b3tth0l3]

NEW EPISODE NEW EPISODE NEW EPISODE HELL YEAHHHHH!!!!!!

[@cobrageneral556]

0:09 ah, yes, the afro-Lithuanians

[@BruvaBob]

Hey John, looking forward to the next one, its been a month now so hoping v soon.. hint, hint

[@hunterlacroix7473]

So well done

[@bikenavbm1229]

Operation Citadel heard that before somewhere, very much hooked

[@mmack647]

An attack on the Russians named Operation Citadel? Didn't work out well for the attackers in the past.

[@grzzz2287]

This is better than "Red Storm Rising"....keep them coming, I can watch this stuff 24/7

[@scorvus238]

Red Storm Rising had some basis in reality. This has none.

[@gaveintothedarkness]

Cant wait for the next part, subbed!

[@flatcirclehistory]

Thanks for subbing

[@abrahamdozer6273]

The thing about this being "the next World warr" is that the last two were waged by huge global coalitions on each side. There is no huge coalition on the Russian side. Iran, North Korra and Russia are not a global superpower and China would almost certainly use an opportunity like this to gain back a big part of Eurasia that was occupied by the Russians in the 1800s.The ''awesome" military power that Russia supposedly has is being squandered right now and the so called 'World war" is really an assymetirc fight between sophisticated industrial powers and a one product resource extractor.

[@Marcus_Octavius_Maximus]

Been waitin' on this new episode, lol. For all of you saying you want these episodes longer, why am I able to figure this out but not you? It says in the video it's pretty much one guy making them. You notice it takes about two or three weeks to do one episode & each episode is only a few minutes long. That's why they aren't longer. Two weeks just for a few minutes.

[@ckmbyrnes]

Excellent series! Keep up the good work.

[@josephking6515]

Adding just a very small comment for the algorithm.

[@ghostdog4330]

The effort that goes into these videos must be huge. Can't wait for the next episode. I do wonder when the nuclear exchange will begin and what targets are selected.

[@ArchStanton45]

Absolutely Superb👋

[@essanance]

Amazing

[@billsmith-hl8rk]

This must have been inspired by Red Storm Rising - it is very good!

[@flatcirclehistory]

Thank you!

[@stevus06]

Subscribed!

[@DUKE-w6n]

Another great episode, Bravo Zulu. Still waiting for your book, hint-hint. :)

[@flatcirclehistory]

So many desires... so little time. :)

[@romeogolf4]

When can we expect episode 8?

[@markstevenson7884]

How often do these come out? Excellent.

[@flatcirclehistory]

I try to put out an episode once a month. But yeah... it's just me! research, script, shooting, editing... that's why I keep it to about 5-6 minutes. Otherwise it'd be months.

[@markstevenson7884]

@@flatcirclehistory Excellent work, well done.

[@kparker2430]

i subbed, i liked (all of them), and now i am eagerly awaiting the next installment. Russia looks too competent. Remember they could not take Kiev, and as of now they can't take Adiivka. Their navy doesn't look up to much when Ukraine kicks their arse without a navy. The quality of Russian kit seems very inferior and our Intel is far superior. 6 years in the future, I struggle to believe Russia could or would be able to re-militarize after their defeat in Ukraine. What is Australia doing?

[@MrWirtigan]

when's the next one

[@Chilly_Billy]

👍👍👍

[@moneybagzz]

Is it my imagination or did Patrick Stewart narrate?

[@tmike_tc]

Man, that Opsprey flying past the Amphibious Landing Ship, with its nav lights illuminating the rotor blades, just looks awesome! Incredible. I really dig it, and appreciate not only the creativity, but what must be a mountain of time, effort, skill and persistence. Bravo! and Thank you

[@Valokaari]

I´ve voiced my critique to the story but I still love this series! Not just told but also illustrated by the videos is really great!! Only wish that they would be a minute or two longer. Reach like the 10 min mark. But thank you and keep up the good work!

[@flatcirclehistory]

Thank you. As I get faster and more efficient that is a goal!

[@tonycavanagh1929]

You have totally stayed away from NATO airpower. Russian airpower was not able to take on Ukraine. NATO would be striking road and rail in Belarus, Russian logistics is a nightmare, look at the mess they had around Kyiv, they only got away without, because Ukraine did not have the airpower, to take advantage of that mess. This is not a chess game of mover counter move. In reality its lots and lots of moves.

[@flatcirclehistory]

Agree. Next few episodes cover air more in-depth. Its one of those things that I cannot tell all the stories all at once. But I will get to the priority stories as best I can as soon as I can.

[@happisakshappiplace.6588]

Just binged on all of these videos. awesome compelling work. :)

[@gregs7562]

Nice video. Obsolete given the state of Russias army right now.

[@dfmrcv862]

Episode 1 states Russia spent 10 years modernizing. Why NATO isn't trying to engage them with air from Poland or Finland when Russia is clearly violating their airspace as well, I don't know.

[@ThinBlueLineGuardian]

I love these greatly love these accurate depictions of combat in a very real scenario of WW3 in the 2030s. I can see how much work you put into these videos and absolutely love it that you are taking influence from Tom Clancy "Red Storm Rising" along with "The Third World War". Overconfidence can go either way.

[@pschroeter1]

I'm just amused this Russian military seems more competent than the one in Ukraine.

[@JasonBoyer-x3f]

🇨🇦💂 Although Russian military doctrine favors exploiting a mass exodus of civilians, we may not see that take place in Nato protected countries as they would be under a shelter in place order - and by contrast in Ukraine, where Russian forces weren't under threat of engagement by Nato forces, we saw a mass exodus of civilians numbering in the millions to safe zones in Poland. Again by contrast, if Russian forces made any move against Nato there would be no safe zones for civilians to exodus to, as the entirety of Europe would be potentially targeted. Civilian populations would be ordered to shelter in place💂🇨🇦

[@dfmrcv862]

Okay, WAIT... why from Italy and Copenhagen? No, I'm sorry, but this is just... you need to settle on an idea and run with it. Why is NATO mobilizing forces from friggin ITALY when *Poland* is already, according to this episode, chomping at the bid in order to mobilize???? Within 48 hours we've had Russia literally bomb a civilian evacuation route with civilians on it! Why aren't aircraft going in from Poland? If the fear is Russian retaliation into Poland via missile strikes (I am ASSUMING you forgot Poland has purchased a bit of everything in NATO's inventory including AEGIS Ashore), then surely NATO would have mobilized air defense systems like Patriot into the region *before* Russia got uppity given Poland's vital role in combating against Russia. Like... why are we even holding them back from AIR OPERATIONS, my guy????? Why are Poland, Finland, Norway, not engaging Russian aircraft? They are literally right over the border! Even the "trying not to escalate' line fails here if NATO is planning on some Desert Storm equivalent. And the Korean War Parallel REALLY doesn't work here when Poland, is, again, RIGHT NEXT DOOR!!!!

[@ozdemirdiner1528]

Nice scenerio. But Ukraine war showed tat Russia has no army to conduct an operation like this.

[@dfmrcv862]

What i dont understand is how NATO could be aware of Russian movements, they're THIS slow to react. You've seen Russia growing ten years of better troops and equipments and... You dint have even a QRF to secure the skies?

[@lhiannonshee]

I cannot overstate how fantastic these are. Keep up the great work!

[@KrisZ-i2q]

Glad you are ready and willing to swallow bulshit. It means the videos work.

[@antpearson9676]

Again flawless May I ask have you seen Threads. For me the best piece of work ever done on nuclear war(No disrespect, yours is first rate too) Ant p uk teacher retired

[@flatcirclehistory]

Threads and The Day After both had a big impact on me as a kid back in the 80's.

[@mindbender3379]

Wow!!! Loving these vids... keep on going... in hopes it doesn't end in a brilliant flash of light!!!

[@TymaDem]

When the fiction is better written than the reality. Amazing video, great job 👍

[@TheGroundedAviator]

Dude, this should be a miniseries on Netflix or something!

[@Ryan_Christopher]

Netflix would make it a CGI sh*t-fest. Even now Paramount won’t shoot their limited Halo series using guns that fire real blanks and eject real brass. Muzzle flashes all CGI. Hardly any weapon has recoil, unlike in the games.

[@FreshPez]

Love how the Canadians got a mention early on, I always felt we deserved something in Red Storm Rising. F-35's, Type 26, and Posidons are on order for the 2030's, maybe we will be back after Episode 2

[@somewhereinagalaxyfarfaraway]

Hahahaha as a fellow Canadian I love the enthusiasm for our military mention. However, I must also remind you that our military in today's world couldn't handle a schoolyard fight much less a full scale frontal war. We have less than 50 flyable fighter planes and even less combat experienced pilots for them. Still aged CF18s and leftover F18s from Auz. We sent Ukraine half of our operational MBTs for a grand total of ....wait for it....4 !

[@FreshPez]

Agreed. Just want to see some of the hardware we've got on order show up.@@somewhereinagalaxyfarfaraway

[@gumballfan1232]

Really liking this series so far.

[@ConradAinger]

Operation Citadel (Unternehmen Zitadell) was the code name for Germany's attack on the Kursk Salient in July 1943. Note: It failed.

[@jamiestewart48]

Absolutely outstanding work and can't wait for the next entry!

[@antpearson9676]

EIGHT Lol Thanks for thebimmense effort and research put into this. Ant p uk teacher retired

[@tedreilly3352]

Get the pronunciations correct!!! Alytus [alītus] long [ī] as in Eng. /beet/, Navickas [navitskas] where /c/ = [ts] as in most Central European languages, Marijampolė [mariampólė] stress on penultimate vowel, Suvalki Gap [v] not [w] etc etc.

[@frenchlatinoboyfrenchlatin7225]

The fascinating thing about these videos is that the Russian president, The Polish, The Lithuanians, are all ... black.

[@spaceman9599]

Hmm, calling the NATO fighting defense Operation Citadel, the same name as the failed German last main offensive in WWII at Kursk, not so well advised? I do like the story and the animation. The next Red Storm Rising. Kudos!

[@onthewater4189]

I really like the World ar War vibe of these videos.

[@flatcirclehistory]

That was the hope, so thanks for noticing!

[@clarkthompson8094]

This series is interesting, but I cannot agree with much of it. Russia couldnt take Kyiv but they easily punch across all the bsltic countries and seize their cities? Russia is being ground to dust in Ukraine and in 10 years wont have the military to even attempt this. The main comolaint I have here is ignoring nato air power. It is orders of magnitude ahead of Ukraine, and Ukraine itself is handling the Russian airforce. The Russia logistics in this series works like magic and the Russian tanks dont stop for hellfire missiles. Apache gunships were made for this exact fight. The US alone has 24 apaches in Europe now, and each carroes 16 hellfire antitank missiles per sortie. That is 384 armored vehicles in a single battle destroyed. But in total, the us has over 1,200 apaches now. Russian military buildup is impossible to hide, so you can bet there would be a great many more gunships there to greet them. And f35s.

[@BunnyNiyori]

Very impressive video production, but totally fails to remember the incredible corruption and rot that ruined Russia in Ukraine. This wouldn't be happening in the year indicated. Maybe another 10 years time. Provided the weather doesn't have other plans.

[@LoganHunter82]

"On the next episode, the NATO invasion begins" Let me guess, you make it look like that NATO forces are weak and cant fight against the russians

[@מנחםסודרי]

Your detailing is amazing. This makes a scenario into a Human story. I like the personal dairies and the witnesses. Thank you for this project.

[@Freedom9X]

Operation Citadel, are you for real? They would use the same name like in WW2?

[@lucydad100]

Excellent series, however the role of satellite intelligence seems ignored, and then drones. Drones are changing modern warfare in both the air and seas. You are creating some interesting scenarios and plausible fiction. Let's hope Europe does not again get invaded. Thanks you, I look forward to the next installment.

[@RustenCurrie]

Bravo! I ghost write with James Rosone and Miranda Watson on their "Monroe Doctrine" Series, we used Orcas in those novels. It's awesome to see it on screen!

[@complexblackness]

"Where was NATO?" Somewhere with their pants down.

[@csmbt]

really well done, I get chills watching these

[@shmulimargulies5462]

When are you publishing the 3 part novel? This is excellent

[@richardmoloney689]

Abandon all hope, Lithuania. You belong to Russia.

[@Swampthing81]

Very well done!! Whole series!! Good job man 😊

[@charleshurley752]

Awesome videos just too short! It’s like Red Storm Rising only shorter!

[@TheLoremistress]

Excellent as always.

[@maxdepasquale2351]

SPOILERS The first half, describing those innocent sacrificed civilians, was agonizing. Isn't attacking unarmed civilians considered a war crime? The second part described the tense environment before the massive counter-attack. Congratulations for rendering it clear and captivating. Vilnius, though.. While I also long for more episodes, I understand that making them is time-consuming. Take your time to make them.

[@JM7284]

It's only a war crime if 1) you lose and 2) enough time goes by that your own soft civilians removed enough from real war and hardship can then blame their grandfathers for the freedom they now enjoy. People do not understand that all freedoms throughout history have come at a cost and sometimes that cost is ugly. But enjoy your iPhones and Starbucks while sitting next to a warm fire!

[@rungfang27]

Yes it is, but as you can see from current events its not beyond Russia to do something like that.

[@JM7284]

@@rungfang27 Your comment....yes? Russia and China would 100% do that. We know this. We also know that the current leaderships of the US and Europe would allow it to happen and do nothing. And your point?

[@MightySifton]

Immediate sub! This is exactly the kind of thing I find gripping. Fantastic!

[@spartanK42]

It's been really cool to see more and more people watch these videos. Which is good because I really wanna see this finished!

[@flatcirclehistory]

The response has blown me away. At work on episode 8....

[@topolinopippo3451]

I'm not that eager...

[@westernman7032]

Incredible videos! Thank you!

[@TheWarAtHome]

So damn good! like proper doco level good! :D

[@uroskostic8570]

Why is it, that the Russians always have same pattern of behavior in all western movies/documentaries, completely opposite of reality?

[@dfmrcv862]

Fam, this guy is having them invade NATO countries with NATO countries launching little to no coordinated airstrikes or air attacks... and your problem is that he's showing Russians using actual Russian tactics?????

[@danreed7889]

The general needs to wear his cover while outside.

[@Phaaschh]

Just found this channel, and immediately subscribed. This whole narrative has an uncomfortable level of plausibility to it. Excellent work.

[@Rotstift-nr2cw]

Really? Any adversary in any war calculation knows an attack is only sucessful with a two to threefold superiority over its adversary, otherwise an attack is folly. The actual relation of heavy armoured weaponry in europa NATO to Russia ist to to one, in military air craft its NTO to Russia four to one (cf. Military Balance, IISS, London). WHY SHOULD RUSSIA ATTACK? Its so dumb, this scaremongering, so dumb.

[@generalposlijebitke6688]

Refuggies on 135 highway are from where? Russia, Belarus? You cant find those '70 Opel and Fiat cars anywhere in the west any more...

[@iana6713]

Those are Ladas and a couple of Volgas. Still a few around in Eastern Europe.

[@ewoksalot]

This is the Russia the West expected pre-2022. Not the ruZZia that actually exists. It's hard to get into this series given the gaps between fiction and reality. Still, a lot of work went into the project and it is good - if a bit far-fetched. * shrug *

[@FrontLinePub]

Keep in mind the timeline for this story begins 6+ years after the war in Ukraine ended. A LOT of lessons learned on all sides is happening from the Ukraine war. A lot of current weapons are being upgraded to counter what they are encountering in Ukraine. No one knows for sure how a future war might play out, but this is a good guess.

[@richardmoloney689]

Did dis happen? Are the Russians der now?

[@cathalmansfield4993]

Great videos, is this made using arma?

[@frankyp4375]

Great stuff, looking forward how the story develops.

[@flatcirclehistory]

Thank you! And hugely appreciated. Working on the outline for ep8 as we speak.

[@virtual07]

@@flatcirclehistory Great epizodes! Will the warfare in Latvia be influenced by the huge number of Moscow sympathisers there? This group is comprised of Russians who settled in Latvia during the Soviet occupation 1945-1991. In Daugavpils they are majority. So in 1991 they voted against the Latvian independence. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX2kpIuHgtegmMksi=xzS5etfmscAuZRJn Not much has changed since then.

[@virtual07]

Standing with Ukrainian flag in Daugavpils is like standing with Israeli flag in Gaza. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYKxgJZ8ha90mMk

[@MrChronicpayne]

So good, love the maps

[@sandradean-nl4cm]

Couldn't get up episide 3 to 6.

[@Ken-vv3os]

Where is the rest?? You can't just leave us hanging after all the fearmongering

[@flatcirclehistory]

Working on it. Mongering takes a lot of time. 😉

[@mikekopack6441]

Here's some coffee money! Keep the story coming! This is every bit as good as Red Storm Rising was!!!!👍

[@flatcirclehistory]

Thank you and hugely appreciated!

[@agronopoulus]

Meh! Russia is a paper tiger!

[@Jmpmstrtex]

OUT-PHUCKIN-STANDING JOB DUDE !!!! 🤘

[@xmaniac99]

Nato was hosting a draq queen reading hour with the staff twerking their ass on twich real time stream.

[@dfmrcv862]

Do you have a source on that?

[@Ailikor]

Keep it up, really enjoying all the episodes :)

[@MrPaulcoster94]

Better than a film 🎥

[@ssgtslick]

Thanks!

[@flatcirclehistory]

Thank you back!

[@Retrosicotte]

Why is the only response the US ones? NATO has a "Very High Readiness Force" of around 40,000 to 300,000 troops from various countries, headed currently by Italy, for literally just this scenario and this reason. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO_Response_Force

[@acebrandon3522]

Daddy likes.😁

[@LSDHECKLER]

These are class, can you put them all together ? I’m bouncing from 1 to another putting bits together like a jigsaw. Great work

[@kimmoahola4528]

Not a lot of soviet vintage cars in the Baltic countries anymore :D