1945 in the Soviet Union
1945 in the Soviet Union
- End of World War II in Europe: Soviet forces helped defeat Nazi Germany, with Berlin captured in spring and Germany surrendering in May. Victory Day is celebrated on May 9.
- War with Japan: In August 1945, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan, invaded Manchuria, and took some eastern territories, including southern Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands.
- Postwar diplomacy: The USSR participated in the Yalta Conference in February 1945 and the Potsdam Conference in July–August 1945, helping shape the postwar world.
- United Nations: The Soviet Union joined as a founding member of the United Nations in October 1945.
- After the war: The country began rebuilding after heavy destruction and increased its influence in Eastern Europe.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 18:07 (CET).