Minifigure – General Andrey Vlasov, the commander of the Russian Liberation Army (ROA) during World War II (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing General Andrey Vlasov, the commander of the Russian Liberation Army (ROA) during World War II.

The figure is depicted wearing a modified German Army general’s uniform, which was historically created for him and his forces. He wears a field grey tunic and trousers, which feature the red general’s stripes down the trouser leg. His headwear is a German-style peaked visor cap (Schirmmütze) with the gold piping of a general. The figure also wears glasses, which were a common feature of Vlasov’s appearance.

Key insignia on the figure include the distinctive ROA sleeve shield on his left arm, which features a blue St. Andrew’s cross on a white background, the primary symbol of his collaborationist force. He is also shown with a mix of Soviet and German decorations on his chest, reflecting his complex history: he was a highly decorated Soviet general before his capture and subsequent collaboration with Germany.

Historical Background: Andrey Vlasov (1901-1946) was originally a prominent and highly decorated general in the Soviet Red Army, credited with helping to save Moscow in 1941. After his army was encircled and he was captured by the Germans in 1942, he became disillusioned with Stalin’s regime. He agreed to collaborate with the Nazis and became the leader of the Russian Liberation Army (Russkaya Osvoboditel’naya Armiya). This force was composed of Soviet prisoners of war and defectors who were armed by the Germans to fight against the Soviet Union. Vlasov remains one of the most controversial figures of the Eastern Front. At the end of the war, he was captured, handed over to the Soviet Union, tried for treason, and executed.