What Soviet military action began on August 9, 1945, during the final crisis leading to Japan’s surrender?

The Soviet invasion of Manchuria began on August 9, 1945, during the final crisis leading to Japan’s surrender.

The Soviet Union launched Operation August Storm against the Japanese-controlled state of Manchukuo in northeastern China. Soviet forces crossed the borders from several directions and rapidly defeated the Kwantung Army, Japan’s main force in the region.

The offensive followed the Soviet declaration of war on Japan, which came three months after Germany’s defeat. It also fulfilled a commitment made by Joseph Stalin to enter the war against Japan after the defeat of Nazi Germany.

The invasion is often overshadowed by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but it was another major development influencing Japan’s decision to surrender. Soviet forces also advanced into Korea, southern Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands during the final weeks of the war.