September 17, 1939 is a dark date in the history of Ukraine and Poland. On this day, the Soviet Union, violating a non-aggression pact, entered World War II on the side of Nazi Germany.
“Liberation campaign” is how Soviet propaganda called the invasion of the Polish state. A 600,000-strong army, armed with 4,700 tanks and 3,300 aircraft, mercilessly attacked the weakened Polish army, which was already fighting a fierce battle against German troops.
Collaboration with the Nazis:
- Soviet and German troops coordinated their actions, exchanged information, and jointly planned operations.
- On September 22, 1939, a joint parade of the Wehrmacht and the Red Army took place in Brest.
- On September 24, Soviet and German troops surrounded Polish units near Zamość.
Consequences:
- Poland was divided between the USSR and Germany.
- Western Ukraine and Western Belarus fell under Soviet occupation, where people faced repression, deportation, and horrific crimes.
- The USSR became an ally of the Nazis, unleashing a horrific war that claimed the lives of millions of people.
Let’s remember:
- September 17 is a day of remembrance and mourning for the victims of Soviet aggression.
- We must not forget the crimes of totalitarian regimes that sought to destroy the freedom and independence of nations.
- Today, when Ukraine is again fighting for its freedom against the Russian aggressor, it is important to remember the lessons of history and unite against tyranny.
The events of September 17, 1939, demonstrate Stalin’s undeniable collaboration with the Nazis. This collaboration went beyond the mere division of Poland. It included:
- The signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which effectively divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence between Germany and the USSR.
- The joint parade of the Wehrmacht and the Red Army in Brest, which symbolized the unity of two totalitarian regimes.
- Economic cooperation, which supplied Germany with Soviet resources needed to wage war.
- The persecution and deportation, when the USSR handed over communists and Jews seeking refuge to Germany.
Stalin’s collaboration with Hitler was immoral and criminal. It led to tragic consequences for millions of people, unleashed a horrific war, and caused occupation and repression.
It is important to remember these events so that we can learn from the lessons of history and stand up to tyranny and aggression.
Today, when Ukraine is again fighting for its freedom against the Russian aggressor, it is important to remember the crimes of totalitarian regimes and unite against tyranny.
