The year is 1967. A series of mysterious murders of women are taking place in Leningrad. An experienced KGB major, Chuzhbin, and a police captain, Fedorov, are assigned to catch a maniac who leaves mysterious signs next to the victims.

The story begins on June 21, 1941, as German forces secretly assemble along the border of the Soviet Union. The film follows a group of young artillery officers who find themselves at the center of events from the very first hours of the war. After losing their weapons and escaping from German captivity, they take a stand against overwhelming enemy forces. The story continues through 1942–1943, where the main characters face even greater danger and increasingly dramatic trials.