The Red Army's invasion of Japanese-occupied Manchuria in August 1945 marked a crucial moment in the final stages of World War II. Frequently referred to as Operation August Storm, this military campaign involved a coordinated assault by approximately 1.5 million Soviet troops against a lesser force of around 700,000 Japanese soldiers. The operation began on August 9, shortly after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, heightening the urgency for Japan to end its military engagements. The Soviets sought to reclaim territories lost during the Russo-Japanese War in the early 20th century and to reinforce their influence in East Asia post-war.

Throughout the campaign, the Red Army employed a combination of armored units, infantry, and air support, effectively overwhelming Japanese defenses. The offensive was swift and effective, resulting in the swift capture of strategic locations such as Harbin and Changchun, ultimately encircling and destroying the Kwantung Army, Japan’s primary deployed army in Manchuria. This successful invasion not only diminished Japanese military strength but also significantly altered the post-war landscape of Northeast Asia, paving the way for Soviet expansion in the region and influencing the future of China and Korea.

The Soviet campaign effectively ended Japanese control in Manchuria, leading to the surrender of Japanese forces in the region just a few weeks later. This rapid military action exemplified the prowess of the Red Army and its ability to mobilize large-scale operations in a short time, contributing to the overarching defeat of Axis powers in World War II. The implications of this invasion were far-reaching, affecting the geopolitical dynamics of East Asia for decades to come.