What was the common Western codename for the Soviet invasion of Manchuria in August 1945?

Operation August Storm was the common Western codename for the Soviet invasion of Manchuria in August 1945.

The operation began on August 9, 1945, after the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. Soviet forces attacked Japanese-held Manchuria from the east, west, and north. The campaign is also formally called the Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation or the Manchurian Operation.

The offensive targeted the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo and the Japanese Kwantung Army. Soviet forces used large armored formations, aircraft, artillery, and coordinated attacks across difficult terrain. They also advanced into Inner Mongolia and northern Korea, while separate operations affected southern Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands.

“Operation August Storm” is a later Western name, popularized by historians rather than the original Soviet title. It should not be confused with Operation Downfall, the planned Allied invasion of Japan’s home islands. Japan surrendered before Downfall could be carried out.