the thing is hewlett, if were talking about russia (which we are) then its likely were talking about this stratagie as karelia. probably karelia to eastern Eu.
therefor there is a IC there. the reason we attack untill would lose tanks, or even better fighters, is because you are trying your hardest not to lose tanks/fighters. so when u retreat u place down, lets say, 9 inf, your left with a great defensive force to defend your more valuable units. also, if u have any fighter with you, you now have one of the best defens’ in the game. frankly, i welcome the counter-attack. you should also be able to rely on your 2 allies that go after germany. hopefully they are either startegic bombing running him a tank or 2 worth of IPC’s, or they are weakening the german force that has come in to reinforce the country u were attacking. example: if u were attacking eastern Eu. and u were left with 2 tanks, 3 fighters, when u retreat to karelia (plus placing 10 inf), and he is left with 2 tanks. if he counter attacks from germany with 6 more tanks (making 8 tanks) he is going to die, or more likely, will retreat back to eastern. either way it was a stupid move to counter. even if he does retreat with some forces after reallizing his mistake, on of your allies should use some planes to kill, or hurt, those forces, if not amphibious assault. either way, hopefully youll be able to walk in a good defensive force. if u dont have a good defensive force though, it may be better to take it with one infentry and prepare to attack when he takes it back (this way u dont lose much but germany cant blitz). as russia its important to remember that its not your job to kill germany, even if thats what happens at the end. russia is allied with two much slower starting countries. if the axis can finish off russia quickly, then they usually win (economic victory, even if not tey become to powerful). its russias job to slow down the axis untill your allies can help, mainly, USA. if russia tries to kill germany right away, without the allies being there to support him, he will lose and the axis will counter (usually) and win. thats why strategic retreats work really well with russia. it lets u keep germany in a virtual standstill, and also lets u keep your big units and buy only inf every turn. infantry are russias best friend.