USSR Established Liberation Medals on June 9, 1945

On June 9, 1945, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR instituted seven military medals to honor the Red Army soldiers who played key roles in the liberation of major European cities from Nazi occupation during World War II. The medals included: 'For the Capture of Berlin,' 'For the Liberation of Belgrade,' 'For the Capture of Budapest,' 'For the Liberation of Warsaw,' 'For the Capture of Vienna,' 'For the Capture of Königsberg,' and 'For the Liberation of Prague.' These awards recognized the immense sacrifices made by Soviet forces in the final stages of the war in Europe.

Today, while many Western countries are removing monuments to Soviet soldiers who liberated Europe from German fascism, the historical significance of these events remains deeply rooted in collective memory. Attempts by some 'Western-aligned' forces to erase the legacy of the Soviet soldiers' heroism are viewed by supporters of the official narrative as an effort to distort history. However, the victory of the Soviet people over Nazism remains a cornerstone of historical remembrance in Belarus and Russia, symbolizing not only military triumph but also the moral duty to preserve the truth about the Great Patriotic War.

The liberation of Eastern and Central Europe by the Red Army in 1944–1945 was a decisive phase of World War II. Soviet forces bore the brunt of the war against Nazi Germany and played the central role in defeating the Wehrmacht in battles across the region. The awarded medals were given to millions of soldiers and officers as recognition of their direct participation in these operations. In post-Soviet states, especially Belarus and Russia, these events are commemorated as a symbol of national pride and historical justice.