In Barbarossa & The Retreat to Moscow, Artem Drabkin compiles the first-hand accounts of Soviet fighter pilots who fought during the early years of the Eastern Front in World War II. Drawing from a rich collection of personal recollections, this book provides an intimate and gripping look at the harrowing experiences of those who battled against the Nazi invasion during Operation Barbarossa and the subsequent retreat to Moscow.

Through the voices of the pilots who lived through these pivotal moments in history, Drabkin sheds light on the brutal reality of aerial combat, the challenges of flying in extreme conditions, and the psychological toll of war. The narrative spans key moments of the conflict, from the initial onslaught of the German invasion to the tense and strategic retreat toward Moscow, where the resolve of the Soviet air force would be tested like never before.