Russia During World War II

Pact with Germany

Aug 24, 1939

Stalin's Communist Russia signed a non-aggression pact with Hitler's Nazi Germany in order to keep the aggressive Hitler away from Russia.

Germany invades Russia

Jun 22, 1941

Germany, together with its allies (Finland, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Italy), invaded Russia in a gigantic surprise attack.

Scorched Earth

Jul 3, 1941

Stalin orders the 'scorched earth' strategy.

Moscow in Danger

Jul 16, 1941

German army group 'centre' takes Smolensk, just 220 miles from Moscow.

The Resistance

Nov 30, 1941

The foremost German forces reach 27km from Moscow, but can advance no further due to strong Russian resistance.

Begining of Stalingrad

Nov 19, 1942

The Russian flanking counter attack around Stalingrad begins

End of Stalingrad

Dec 19, 1942

The Germans fail to break the encirclement of their army in Stalingrad

The Very End

Feb 2, 1943

The last German forces in Stalingrad surrender.

Smolensk

Sep 25, 1943

The Russians liberate Smolensk.

Kiev

Nov 6, 1943

The Russians liberate Kiev.