When did the Entente lift the economic blockade of Russia?

The economic blockade of Soviet Russia by the Entente wasn’t a simple “on” or “off” switch. It was a complex, gradually easing process, not a single event. The Curzon Line, proposed in December 1919 at the Paris Peace Conference, is often cited as a significant demarcation point, but it wasn’t directly tied to the lifting of the blockade. Think of it more like a game with shifting alliances and constantly changing objectives.

The Reality: A Phased Approach, Not a Single Date

While European newspapers reported the decision to lift the blockade and allow trade around January 18th, 1920, the reality was far more nuanced. The blockade wasn’t uniformly enforced across the Entente powers; some nations eased restrictions earlier than others. It was a decentralized process.
The Curzon Line, while influencing future negotiations and demarcating territorial claims, didn’t automatically trigger the end of the blockade. Its significance is more geo-political than directly related to trade restrictions.
Think of it as a game of Risk where you’re gradually reducing your military presence on a territory (the blockade) but your opponent (Soviet Russia) still controls some regions and might retaliate if you withdraw too quickly. The Entente powers needed to carefully assess the situation, manage internal dissent and avoid a full-scale conflict.

Key Takeaways for Strategy Gamers:

Decentralized Control: The Entente wasn’t a unified entity. Individual nations had their own interests and agendas. This lack of centralized control made the blockade’s implementation and lifting inconsistent.
Geopolitical Influence: The Curzon Line highlights the importance of geopolitical considerations beyond purely economic factors. The blockade’s fate was tied to broader power struggles and territorial disputes.
Gradual Disengagement: The easing of the blockade wasn’t sudden. It involved phased withdrawals, negotiations, and constant reassessments of the situation. This mirrors strategic game mechanics where you need to manage resources and predict your opponent’s actions.

What is an economic blockade?

Alright folks, let’s dive into the economic blockade – a brutal gameplay mechanic in the real-world geopolitical strategy game. Think of it as the ultimate “deny resources” move. It completely shuts down a nation’s import and export – a full-on embargo. No goods in, no goods out. It’s like hitting the “pause” button on their entire economy, crippling their ability to function.

This isn’t some casual penalty; it’s usually deployed when a nation seriously messes up, violating major international laws. Think of it as a game-ending “Game Over” screen, but drawn out over time. The Iran example you mentioned? That’s a classic case study – their nuclear program triggered this hardcore economic blockade, a severe penalty for breaking the rules of the international community.

Now, let’s talk strategy. Economic blockades aren’t instant wins. They’re long, drawn-out attrition battles. The target nation will attempt counter-strategies: black markets, smuggling, seeking allies for support. It’s a test of endurance, a war of attrition, a chess match played on a global scale.

Furthermore, remember that collateral damage is a HUGE factor. Blockades rarely affect only the target nation. Neighboring countries often suffer economically, and even the imposing nation might face negative consequences. It’s a risky move, but sometimes a necessary one, depending on the stakes.

Finally, sanctions and blockades are often used in tandem. Sanctions are like targeted penalties, hitting specific industries or individuals, while a blockade is the nuclear option—a complete economic shutdown. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy, and understanding the consequences is critical to its successful (or unsuccessful) implementation.

Which blockade is the most dangerous?

First-degree sinoatrial (SA) block? Nah, that’s noob-level. Doesn’t need treatment unless there’s an underlying issue; fix that, and schedule a six-month ECG checkup. Think of it as a minor lag spike.

But SA node weakness? That’s a whole different beast. It’s the ultimate boss fight in the heart rhythm game. SA block is the most serious and dangerous form of SA node dysfunction. It’s where the heart’s pacemaker, the SA node, is struggling to initiate beats consistently. Imagine your FPS dropping to single digits—not good.

Here’s the lowdown on why it’s so critical:

Bradycardia: Slow heart rate. Think of it like having severely reduced APM (Actions Per Minute). Your body isn’t getting enough oxygen.
Syncope: Fainting spells. Game over, man. Game over.
Heart Failure: The heart’s not pumping efficiently enough to keep up with demand. Your system is overloaded and crashing.
Sudden Cardiac Death: Worst-case scenario. A complete system failure.

Different types of SA block exist, each with varying degrees of severity. Think of them as different difficulty levels in a game. The higher the level, the more challenging it is for the heart.

First-degree: Minor delay. Easy mode.
Second-degree (Type I and Type II): Increasingly problematic delays. Medium and Hard modes.
Third-degree (Complete): Total failure of the SA node. Nightmare difficulty.

So, while a first-degree SA block might be a minor inconvenience, a higher-degree block or underlying SA node weakness is a serious condition demanding immediate attention. Regular ECG monitoring is essential—think of it as checking your system stats frequently to prevent a crash.

What is the economic blockade of Russia?

Economic Blockade of Russia: A Comprehensive Guide

An economic blockade is the restriction or complete cessation of economic relations with a country. Think of it as a severe economic sanction, aiming to cripple the target nation’s economy and exert political pressure. It’s a tool often employed in international conflicts, designed to isolate a country and force changes in its behavior.

Historical Example: The Allied Intervention and the Russian Civil War (1918-1920)

Following the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, many Western powers imposed a significant, though not entirely complete, economic blockade on Soviet Russia. This wasn’t a perfectly uniform action – different countries implemented varying degrees of restrictions. The goal was to weaken the Bolshevik regime and potentially even reverse the revolution. The effectiveness of this blockade is debated by historians, with some arguing it significantly hampered the Soviet economy while others highlight the Soviet’s ability to find alternative trade routes and sources.

Types of Economic Blockades:

Total Blockade: A complete cessation of all economic interactions. This includes trade, financial transactions, and technology transfers. It’s a drastic measure aiming for maximum economic impact.
Partial Blockade: A more targeted approach, restricting specific aspects of economic relations. Examples include:

Embargoes on specific goods: Banning the import or export of particular products (e.g., oil, weapons).
Financial sanctions: Freezing assets, restricting access to international financial systems, and blocking loans.
Technology restrictions: Preventing the transfer of crucial technologies.

Factors Influencing Blockade Effectiveness:

Extent of participation: The more countries involved, the more effective the blockade tends to be.
Enforcement mechanisms: Strong international cooperation is vital for preventing circumvention.
Target country’s resilience: A nation with diverse trade partners and strong domestic production might withstand a blockade better than one with a more reliant economy.
Duration of blockade: Longer blockades tend to have a more profound impact.

Consequences of Economic Blockades:

Economic blockades can result in shortages of essential goods, hyperinflation, economic recession, humanitarian crises, and even social unrest. They can also have unintended consequences, impacting not only the target country but also the countries imposing the blockade.

How many died during the blockade?

Alright guys, so the casualty count for the Siege of Leningrad? The Soviets claimed 632,253 deaths at Nuremberg, a staggering number. Think of that – a truly brutal statistic. 97% of those deaths, they said, were from starvation, exposure, and disease. That’s the hard, brutal reality of the situation. It wasn’t just the bombs, though there were a *lot* of those – over 107,000 high-explosive and incendiary bombs dropped. That’s insane bombardment. Add to that over 150,000 heavy artillery shells raining down. It was a relentless, sustained assault, a true hell on earth. The sheer scale of the suffering is almost impossible to comprehend. This wasn’t just a battle; it was a slow, agonizing attrition campaign designed to break the city and its people. The numbers themselves are just… chilling.

Why did Napoleon declare the Continental System?

Napoleon’s Continental System? Think of it as a hardcore strategy game, a desperate gambit against the ultimate boss, Great Britain. He’d just curb-stomped Prussia – that was the Berlin Decree’s victory screen trigger. The stated reason? Britain was griefing the entire server, violating international law – everyone knew it, it was meta. The decree? A major nerf to Britannia’s economy, a continent-wide ban on British goods. It was risky; think of it as a high-risk, high-reward late-game tech that could either secure victory or lead to a total wipe. The problem? Smuggling, exploits, and internal weaknesses in the player base (other European nations) – pretty much unbeatable bugs. It sounds OP on paper, but the execution… well, let’s just say it got patched eventually.

What did children eat during the blockade?

During the Siege, infant nourishment was a critical issue; most mothers lacked sufficient breast milk. The Pediatric Institute ingeniously developed soy and malt-based formulas. Essential vitamins were painstakingly extracted from pine needles – a testament to desperate resourcefulness. Despite the catastrophic conditions, 15 maternity hospitals remained operational in Leningrad by October 1941, a grim indicator of the ongoing birth rate amidst unimaginable suffering.

Note: This wasn’t simply a matter of formula creation; the entire supply chain was decimated. Sourcing ingredients, processing them under siege conditions, and distributing the limited quantities required an immense, heroic effort. Many infants perished from malnutrition despite these efforts; the formulas were a lifeline, not a solution to the widespread famine.

Further Considerations: The psychological impact on mothers unable to feed their children cannot be overstated. The survival of these hospitals, coupled with the nutritional innovations, speaks volumes about the dedication of medical professionals and the relentless fight for survival during the Siege of Leningrad.

What are the dangers of a blockade?

AV block? Think of it as a traffic jam in your heart’s electrical system. The signal from your atria to your ventricles gets delayed or completely blocked. Sometimes, it’s silent, a sneaky little ninja. Other times, it screams – bradycardia (slow heart rate), weakness, fainting spells, dizziness – the whole shebang. Treatment? Meds are usually the first line of defense, think of them as traffic cops directing the flow. Surgery? That’s the heavy artillery, a full-on road construction project, for severe cases.

But here’s the kicker – a neglected AV block is a one-way ticket to Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Think of it as a complete traffic shutdown – no flow, no life. Early detection is key. Knowing your enemy – its symptoms, its progression – is half the battle. Don’t underestimate this silent assassin. Get checked, stay vigilant, and keep your heart’s highway clear.

Remember, high-degree AV blocks are particularly nasty. They’re the complete road closures, the ones that can send you straight to the game over screen. Second-degree blocks? Think of those as intermittent traffic lights – sometimes it flows, sometimes it stalls. First-degree? That’s a slight delay, a minor traffic jam – often asymptomatic.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is your trusty radar for this condition. It’s how you spot those sneaky delays and blockages. Don’t wait for the symptoms to hit you. Proactive monitoring is your best defense against this foe.

What is the essence of the Continental System?

Napoleon’s Continental System, enacted via the Berlin Decree of 1806, wasn’t just about closing ports to British ships and goods; it was a high-stakes economic war, a complex strategy with significant gameplay implications.

The Core Mechanic: The system aimed to cripple the British economy, its lifeblood fueled by global trade. By cutting off access to the European market, Napoleon hoped to force Britain to its knees.

Why it Failed (Major Exploits & Glitches):

Smuggling: Think of this as a major exploit. The blockade was notoriously porous. Bribery, clandestine trade routes, and neutral nations circumvented restrictions, allowing British goods to still reach the continent.
Economic Blowback: The system backfired. European economies suffered; they were dependent on British goods and markets. This led to significant internal unrest in several countries, akin to a major negative game event.
British Naval Superiority: Britain’s powerful navy controlled the seas, making enforcement incredibly difficult – a crucial asymmetry in the geopolitical “game”. The British could readily attack French and allied ports, making it a lopsided contest.

Hidden Objectives & Long-Term Strategy:

Weaken Britain: The primary objective, although ultimately unsuccessful, was to cripple Britain economically and strategically, leading to its surrender.
Establish Continental Hegemony: Napoleon aimed to create a self-sufficient European economic sphere under his control, increasing his influence and power.
Counter British Naval Power: While indirect, the blockade was intended to lessen Britain’s influence by impacting its economy and access to resources.

In short: The Continental System was a bold but ultimately flawed strategy, highlighting the limitations of economic warfare and the difficulty of controlling vast territories in the absence of complete military dominance.

What is the essence of the blockade?

Blockade? Think of it as a surgical strike against pain. We’re not just slapping a bandage on the problem; we’re severing the enemy’s supply lines. Anesthetic is our weapon of choice, injected directly into nerve clusters, plexuses – the pain signal’s command centers. We’re interrupting the transmission before the pain message even reaches the brain’s headquarters. This isn’t some casual skirmish; it’s a targeted, precise operation. Different blockade types hit different targets, some focusing on peripheral nerves for localized pain, others aiming for deeper spinal structures to quell widespread agony. It’s about disabling the enemy’s infrastructure, not just patching holes in the walls. The key is strategic placement: hit the right spot, and the pain is silenced. Miss, and you’re fighting a losing battle.

Efficacy varies depending on the pain’s source and severity. Some pains are stubborn foes, requiring multiple strikes or a combination of blockade types. Consider it a crucial element in your overall pain management strategy—often employed alongside other tactics to maximize your effectiveness.

What is an economic bloc?

Global Economic Bloc? Think of it like a powerful endgame alliance in a grand strategy game. Countries, your nations, sign treaties – that’s the alliance formation – to tear down trade walls (think reduced tariffs, streamlined customs). The goal? Massive economic synergy, a resource bonanza that boosts every member’s GDP like a crazy tech upgrade.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Internal politics can act like debuffs, slowing down progress or even triggering internal conflicts. Some nations might be stronger players than others, leading to imbalances – think resource exploitation. And external threats? Other blocs, or even rogue nations, can act as powerful enemies, forcing alliances to constantly adapt and upgrade their strategies through new treaties and agreements.

Think of the EU, NAFTA (now USMCA), or ASEAN. These are established, high-level alliances. Each with its own strengths and weaknesses, internal struggles, and external rivals. Mastering the intricacies of their economic interactions is key to winning the global game. It’s not just about raw economic power; it’s about navigating complex political landscapes and leveraging diplomatic skills.

The payoff? Exponential economic growth for participating nations. But beware the hidden costs – loss of national sovereignty in certain areas, potential economic dependency on other members, and the ever-present risk of external threats or internal power struggles.

How did people eat people during the blockade?

The Leningrad Blockade cannibalism data presents a grim, albeit quantifiable, metric of desperation. The raw numbers – 2057 arrests for cannibalism-related crimes between November 1941 and December 1942 – represent a significant data point, a chilling KPI if you will, reflecting the extreme conditions faced by civilians.

Analyzing the arrest figures reveals a concerning trend. The escalating arrest numbers show a clear upward trajectory:

March 1942: 1171 arrests
April 14, 1942: 1557 arrests
May 3, 1942: 1739 arrests
June 2, 1942: 1965 arrests

This escalating trend suggests a worsening situation and a potential failure of initial relief efforts. The data itself, while horrifying, lacks granular detail. We need to consider:

Accuracy of Reporting: Were all instances of cannibalism reported and prosecuted? The official numbers may underrepresent the true scale of the problem.
Data Granularity: More precise data on age, gender, and social status of both perpetrators and victims would enrich our understanding of the circumstances.
Contextual Factors: Further research into food availability, distribution systems, and the effectiveness of relief efforts is crucial for a complete analysis.

In essence, the raw data offers a stark glimpse into the human cost of the siege, a devastating performance indicator of complete societal breakdown. Further research is needed for a more comprehensive understanding.

What is a blockade in simple terms?

A blockade, in simple terms, is a strategic action aiming to isolate a target by cutting off all external connections. Think of it like a particularly nasty game of siege, where the objective isn’t just to capture a territory, but to starve it into submission. This can manifest in various ways, encompassing everything from naval blockades preventing shipments of goods and supplies, to the complete encirclement of a city, cutting off access to food, medicine and reinforcements. It’s a brutal tactic with devastating consequences, often resulting in widespread suffering and even famine. Famous historical examples illustrate the devastating power of blockades: the Siege of Leningrad during World War II, a horrific event where hundreds of thousands perished from starvation and disease; the siege of Mariupol during the 2025 Russian invasion of Ukraine, a modern example of similar tactics, though the scale of suffering may vary; and the blockade of Stepanakert during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. These events showcase how effective—and tragically inhumane—blockades can be. The strategic implications are profound, often forcing a besieged entity to negotiate unfavorable terms or face complete collapse. In games, especially strategy titles, blockades are frequently featured as a powerful military and economic tool, offering a realistic representation of this grim historical reality albeit in a more controlled and less catastrophic context.

Why did Hitler want to destroy Leningrad?

Hitler’s obsession with Leningrad wasn’t solely about military production, although the city housed a significant 30% of Soviet wartime industry. That’s a key factor, obviously, impacting strategic resource control.

But his diaries reveal a more brutal, resource-intensive reality. Eliminating Leningrad’s population – a massive undertaking – was a key component of his plan. The logistics of feeding a conquered city’s population during a harsh winter were a significant consideration for the Nazi regime. This wasn’t just about military gain; it was a genocidal policy aimed at eliminating a perceived threat and avoiding the burden of feeding millions of civilians. This strategic decision reflects the ruthless efficiency prioritized in his war machine – eliminating the problem, rather than managing it. The sheer scale of the potential problem – feeding millions of defeated and displaced people – influenced his decision toward a more brutal solution. This reveals a high-level strategic calculation based on resource management and population control far beyond simple military objectives.

What are economic blocs?

Economic blocs? Think of them as powerful alliances, forged through intergovernmental agreements, often nested within larger regional organizations. These agreements are all about dismantling trade barriers – both tariffs (those pesky taxes on imports) and non-tariff barriers (like complex regulations or quotas) – between participating nations. This creates a massive, integrated market, boosting trade and economic activity within the bloc. Think of the EU – a prime example, showcasing the incredible potential for economic growth through streamlined trade and the free movement of goods, services, capital, and even people (in many cases). But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Internal power dynamics can be complex, with larger economies often wielding disproportionate influence. Furthermore, trade diversion – where members favor intra-bloc trade over more efficient external trade – can be a downside. Different blocs utilize varying levels of integration, ranging from simple free trade areas (like NAFTA’s successor, USMCA, focusing primarily on tariff reduction) to customs unions (common external tariffs) and even full economic and monetary unions (like the EU, with a shared currency and central bank). Understanding the nuances of each type is key to grasping the true impact of these global power players. Each bloc has its own unique history, challenges, and internal conflicts – making them fascinating case studies in international economics and political science.

Consider the impact on individual nations: smaller economies might gain access to larger markets, fostering growth and development, while larger economies could see increased competition and potentially lower prices for consumers. Joining a bloc isn’t a simple yes or no; it’s a strategic decision with long-term consequences, demanding careful consideration of potential benefits and drawbacks.

Ultimately, economic blocs are dynamic entities, constantly evolving in response to global economic shifts and political realities. Studying them reveals crucial insights into the complexities of globalization and the ever-shifting landscape of international trade.

Why did Russia join the Continental System?

Alright, so you wanna know why Mother Russia joined the Continental System? Think of it like this: Napoleon, that sly fox, pulled a hostile takeover of Portugal in December 1807, claiming it was all about enforcing the blockade – bullshit, of course, just another power grab. That was the trigger event, the quest objective we couldn’t ignore.

The Russo-Swedish War (1808-1809): The Main Grind

Next up, we had the Russo-Swedish War. This wasn’t just some side quest, this was a major campaign. We were already allied with Bonaparte – a tough alliance to maintain, I tell you – and that meant honoring our commitments. Think of it as a really, really long, tedious fetch quest with a powerful, grumpy NPC as your client.

The Objectives: Forcing Sweden into the Continental System was the main objective. Sweden, with its pesky access to British trade, was a major thorn in Napoleon’s side and therefore, ours. Their neutrality was unacceptable. Think of it as dealing with a particularly annoying faction that won’t submit peacefully.
The Challenges: Tough terrain, brutal weather, and a surprisingly stubborn Swedish army. It wasn’t a cakewalk, believe me. Many casualties, countless resources depleted. Think of it as a series of brutal boss fights across different biomes.
The Rewards: Victory secured Finland for Russia – a juicy land grab, an important strategic asset. Think of it as claiming a whole new region on the map, boosting our economy and power significantly.

The Payoff: By forcing Sweden to join the Continental Blockade, we – Russia – earned major brownie points with Napoleon. For a while, that alliance served our interests. But it was a double-edged sword; we got locked into a really precarious situation, which ultimately had far-reaching and negative consequences. Think of it as a temporary alliance that will eventually lead to a major conflict down the line. We were playing the long game, but it almost backfired spectacularly.

What is the benefit of the blockade?

Ever wondered how those epic boss battles end with a satisfying victory? It’s all about the block! Think of your nerve fibers as pathways for enemy attacks – pain signals, inflammation, the whole shebang. Our revolutionary blockade instantly disables those pathways, silencing the pain like a perfectly timed parry. It’s not just about silencing the alarm; it’s about system-wide optimization. Vascular spasm? Defeated! Swelling? Reduced! Think of it as a powerful regeneration buff – your cells are working overtime, repairing the damage faster than a legendary crafting recipe. Cellular metabolism is normalized, boosting your overall resilience, ready for the next onslaught. It’s like equipping a legendary healing artifact – instant pain relief and accelerated recovery. The ultimate power-up for your in-game avatar!

What is a block and when is it used?

A block is a simple machine, crucial for overcoming significant mechanical advantage challenges in various scenarios, from simple rigging to complex puzzle solving in games. Think of it as a force multiplier.

Its core function: Lifting heavy objects by redirecting force. It consists of a wheel (sheave) with a grooved rim, around which a rope, cable, or chain runs.

Types and their implications:

Fixed Block: Changes the direction of the force. You pull down, the load goes up. Mechanical advantage = 1. Useful for changing pulling angles, not for reducing effort.
Movable Block: Attached to the load itself. This halves the effort needed to lift the object, but doubles the distance you need to pull the rope. Mechanical advantage = 2. Great for situations where you lack brute force but have distance.
Block and Tackle (Combination): Combining fixed and movable blocks creates systems with even greater mechanical advantage. The more pulleys, the less effort needed, but again the rope needs to be pulled a proportionally longer distance. Strategic arrangement of blocks is key to maximizing efficiency. Understanding this is vital for overcoming obstacles in many games requiring resourcefulness.

Game-related applications:

Weight puzzles: Balancing weights using blocks and tackles is a common mechanic.
Lifting mechanisms: Getting heavy objects to higher ground often requires skillful use of blocks.
Traps and obstacles: Understanding how blocks work might be the key to bypassing a trap or disabling a dangerous mechanism.

Pro Tip: Always consider the friction in the system. Real-world blocks and tackles aren’t perfectly efficient, so you’ll always need a bit more force than the theoretical mechanical advantage suggests. In games, this is usually simplified, but good to keep in mind for realism.

Who was to blame for the Siege of Leningrad?

The question of blame for the Leningrad Blockade is a complex strategic failure analysis. While the German military’s siege is undeniable, attributing causality solely to the aggressor ignores crucial operational and strategic shortcomings within the city’s defense. If we consider Leningrad a fortified position, its “fall” wasn’t a sudden breach, but a slow attrition fueled by a cascading series of systemic vulnerabilities.

The primary failure was a lack of effective resource management and prioritization. This wasn’t merely a matter of insufficient supplies; it was a failure of logistical planning and execution. The civilian administration, headed by Zhdanov, bears significant responsibility here. Let’s analyze the key areas of strategic miscalculation:

Insufficient Evacuation: The evacuation of civilians, particularly vulnerable populations, was woefully inadequate, overloading the city’s already strained resources. This contributed significantly to the increase in the mortality rate.
Ineffective Rationing: The rationing system, while implemented, was demonstrably inefficient, leading to uneven distribution and widespread starvation despite available supplies in certain areas. Lack of transparency further exacerbated the situation.
Logistical Bottlenecks: The city’s logistical network failed to adequately handle the transport of resources within the city. The resulting bottlenecks magnified the impact of insufficient supply lines from the outside.
Lack of Contingency Planning: There was an evident failure to anticipate and prepare for the long-term siege. A robust contingency plan including robust food stockpiles, diversified supply routes, and more efficient resource management could have significantly mitigated the suffering.

It’s crucial to avoid a simplistic narrative. The sheer number of civilian deaths is a tragic consequence of the siege, but it’s not solely attributable to German aggression. Analyzing the failure as a systemic issue rather than assigning blame to a single entity allows for a more nuanced and helpful understanding of the catastrophe, allowing us to identify preventable factors for future crisis management.

The argument that “excess of unconscientious population” contributed significantly to the death toll lacks supporting evidence. This argument shifts the blame from strategic failures onto the victims, a morally problematic position and a strategically misleading analysis. The focus should remain on the failure of the leadership to effectively manage available resources and protect its population within the context of a prolonged siege.

Why weren’t rats eaten in Leningrad?

The claim that Leningraders didn’t eat rats during the siege is a massive myth, a total noob mistake. In 1942, besieged Leningrad was absolutely overrun – think overwhelmingly outnumbered – by rats. Eyewitnesses reported rat colonies so vast they brought even trams to a standstill. This wasn’t some cute, low-level creep; it was a full-on, game-breaking infestation.

The sheer number of rats was insane:

Experts estimate rat populations exploded exponentially due to the lack of sanitation and abundant food sources (or rather, the lack thereof for humans).
Rats were so prevalent, they became a major strategic problem, impacting troop movements and potentially spreading disease.

Contrary to popular belief, desperation led to extreme measures:

While not a primary food source, rats were consumed out of necessity. Think of it as a last-resort power play in a desperate game of survival.
The act of hunting and consuming rats wasn’t something people bragged about; it was a grim reality of survival, a necessary “buff” in a brutal game.
The prevalence of rats added another layer of difficulty to the already grueling challenges faced by Leningrad’s citizens.