[researcher111]

For some reason and that's my personal theory ,Stalin 1938 purges
were intentionally mounted against VVS using the "Lipetzk Connection" affair
which allegedly intended to damage Soviet Union interests, a joint venture
which in fact was approved by Stalin in person and Soviet Comm.of Defense.

One of the main accused was Komkor Baranov.

I saw a Russian footage ( not youtube ) of one of Vishinsky's show trials
accusing VVS officers of treason for having spied for the Luftwaffe
producing for the Germans highly classified Yakovlev design bureau
blueprints . One of the accused in addition to Baranov was Komkor
Schacht Genrikovitch , Spain vet , bomber pilot , Swiss national
HSU recepient , commander at VVS General Hdq .