War and Peace

Kutúzov faces the most devastating decision of his career: whether to defend Moscow or retreat. When his general Ermólov suggests retreat is necessary, Kutúzov refuses to accept it, checking the man's pulse as if the very idea were a fever. But reality closes in. On Poklónny Hill outside Moscow, generals gather in what becomes an impromptu war council. Everyone talks around the central question—some debate battle positions, others reference historical sieges, still others engage in pure speculation. Kutúzov listens with growing despair, realizing that beneath all the chatter, every single commander knows the truth: defending Moscow is physically impossible. The army would face certain defeat, and even discussing defense has become mere political theater. General Bennigsen pushes for a fight, but Kutúzov sees through the politics—if they lose, Bennigsen will blame Kutúzov; if they somehow win, Bennigsen will claim credit. Meanwhile, Kutúzov tortures himself with an agonizing question: when exactly did he allow Napoleon to reach Moscow? Was it yesterday's order, or some earlier decision? The weight of having to abandon Russia's sacred capital feels like surrendering his command entirely. Yet he knows he alone can lead the army through this crisis. The conversations around him grow too free, too undisciplined. Something must be decided. Kutúzov calls his key generals and declares his head, good or bad, must depend on itself. He rides to Filí, where the hardest decision of the war awaits.