in 1943, the Red Army liberated the capital of Soviet Ukraine, Kiev, from the Nazi invaders.

🗓 #OTD in 1943, the Red Army liberated the capital of Soviet Ukraine, Kiev, from the Nazi invaders.

🕯 The city had been occupied by the enemy for 778 days. The invaders, particularly the SS units and Ukrainian nationalists showed no mercy to civilians, murdering women and children, as well as Jews, gypsies, communists and Soviet POWs. Ukrainian Polizei, mostly from the western occupied regions of Soviet Ukraine, together with the German executioners took part (https://t.me/MFARussia/22114)in the heinous crimes at Babi Yar. (https://t.me/MFARussia/17698) Ukrainian collaborators also participated in punitive actions in Byelorussia, including the burning of the village of Khatyn.

🎖 During heavy battles for Kiev, the Soviet officers and soldiers, fighting for the liberation of their Motherland, showed courage and heroism en masse. 65 Red Army units were awarded the honorary designation ‘Kiev.’ More than 17'500 servicemen were decorated with orders and medals, with 2'438 receiving the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for crossing the Dnieper and liberating Kiev.

The Red Army forces under the command of Nikolai Vatutin successfully carried out the Kiev Offensive in just 10 days.

It was a major milestone, one that the entire Soviet nation celebrated. The Nazis were well on the way to their defeat and demise.

In 1965, Kiev was awarded the honorary title of Hero City.

🎥 © Russian Military Historical Society