A heart of stone – Joseph Stalin

During World War II, the Nazis imprisoned many members of the Red Army. On the other side, the Soviets have also captured many German soldiers. 

However, Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (1878-1953), Soviet President and General Secretary of the Communist Party, refused to exchange prisoners with the Germans.

The Germans were surprised with Stalin's decision since, among the captives, was his son Yakov.

Yakov eventually died in a Nazi camp.

Stalin's second son, Vasiliy, died of alcoholism in 1962.