Despite the brutality that the Nazis practiced on Soviet civilians and POWs alike. Vlassov succeeded in a very short time in building up an army of 500.000 men who mistakenly believed that they could fight against Stalin for the liberation of their homeland in the ranks of the German Army. According to a letter which Eugene Lyons received from a Russian refugee in Germany. the matter of joining the Vlassov army was discussed in one Russion POW camp on November 19. 1944at a time when it was obvious to everyone that Germany was headed toward disastrous defeat. Only 15 of 200 prisoners did not join. In addition. it is estimated that at the end of the war.