The film begins with Lyudmila Pavlichenko (played by Yulia Peresild) enrolling in Odessa University in the late 1930s. When the war breaks out, she volunteers for the Red Army and requests to serve as a sniper on the front lines.
Lyudmila’s exceptional marksmanship skills quickly become evident as she racks up an impressive number of kills. She gains fame and is sent to the United States as part of a Soviet delegation to garner support for the Allied war effort.
While in the United States, Lyudmila becomes friends with Eleanor Roosevelt and tours the country to share her experiences. She faces the challenges of being a celebrity and a woman in a male-dominated military environment.
In the resolution, Lyudmila returns to the Eastern Front, where she continues to fight against the German forces. The film depicts the toll of war on her psyche and her struggle to cope with loss and trauma.
“Bitva za Sevastopol” pays tribute to Lyudmila Pavlichenko’s contributions as a sniper and her resilience during a tumultuous period in history. The film combines war drama with elements of biography, showcasing the human side of a legendary Soviet sniper.