The occupation of Bornholm by Soviet forces began in May 1945, shortly after Germany's surrender in World War II. The island, located in the Baltic Sea, was strategically important due to its proximity to both Germany and the nascent Eastern Bloc. Soviets initially occupied Bornholm to prevent any potential resurgence of German military presence. Despite the end of active hostilities, the island remained under Soviet control while the rest of Denmark was liberated and transitioned back to civilian rule. The occupation was marked by a heavy military presence and concerns from the local Danish population about the intentions of the Soviet Union in post-war Europe.

As political tensions grew and the seeds of the Cold War were being sown, Bornholm’s situation became emblematic of the broader struggle between East and West. The withdrawal of Soviet troops on April 5, 1946, marked a crucial moment, signaling a newfound hope for the residents of the island alongside a move towards the assertion of Danish sovereignty. The Danish government engaged in diplomatic efforts to negotiate the troop withdrawal, reflecting the challenges of post-war European politics.

The departure of Soviet forces from Bornholm was an important indicator of the changing geopolitical landscape. As the Red Army vacated the island, it signaled an opportunity for Denmark to re-establish its sovereignty, and it also pointed to the complexities that would define European politics in the coming decades. In 1949, Denmark became a founding member of NATO, underscoring its alignment with the Western powers against perceived Soviet threats. The withdrawal of Soviet troops served not just as a local relief but as a symbolic gesture of a shifting European order post-World War II.