Due to sophisticated propaganda, ordinary people in the USSR saw Stalin more as a kind and caring father than as a tough man. They were entirely enchanted by his friendly appearance. They couldn’t believe he was sending millions of people to their deaths. In Soviet magazines and on billboards, Stalin was often laughing or smiling. Today such pictures are hardly known. Russia Beyond invites you to have a look at rare photos, the purpose of which was to show the better side of Stalin.

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