How did the Russians change the environment to slow the Germans?

During World War II, the Russians implemented a scorched earth policy as they retreated, destroying infrastructure, crops, and resources to deny the advancing German forces essential supplies. They also flooded areas, particularly around key cities like Stalingrad, to create natural barriers and slow down German advances. Additionally, the harsh winter conditions were leveraged, with Russian troops adeptly using the environment to their advantage while the poorly prepared German forces struggled. Together, these strategies significantly impeded German operations and contributed to their eventual defeat.