Donbass Celebrates 80th Anniversary of Liberation From Nazi Invaders

Eighty years ago, Soviet troops liberated the regional center of Donbass, the city of Stalino (now Donetsk), from German fascist invaders who had occupied it for 700 days.

The Donbass offensive lasted from August 13 to September 22, 1943. During that period, the Red Army defeated 13 German divisions, including two tank divisions. The operation resulted in the return of an important coal and metallurgical base and vast agricultural areas under the control of the Soviet Union.

During the operation, almost 70,000 Soviet fighters were killed, and 80 soldiers who displayed special courage in battles were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Take a look at Sputnik's gallery covering the courageous operation to de-Nazify Donbass.

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The Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. The Donbass strategic offensive operation of the Red Army. The troops of the South-Western Front went on the offensive and with the support of the Southern Front broke through the German defense. Soviet troops cut the road to Taganrog, depriving the enemy of the ability to maneuver reserves.

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Sappers are inspecting the area for mines. Stalino region (now the Donetsk People's Republic).

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A shield with the inscription "Forward to the West" on one of the front roads in the Donetsk region.

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Crimes of fascists and their collaborators on the territory of Donbass before the retreat. Villagers during the funeral of fellow villagers: women, the elderly and children, brutally tortured and killed by the Nazis.

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Fighting for Donbass.

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Units of a rifle corps of the South-Western Front during the offensive in the southern direction west of Slavyansk.

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The Azovstal plant in Zhdanov (Mariupol). On September 7, 1943, during retreat German fascist invaders blew up almost all units of the plant - blast and open-hearth furnaces and equipment. The coke batteries of the coke plant were destroyed.

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The 4th Guards Cavalry Corps commanded by Lieutenant-General Nikolai Kirichenko during an attack. N. Kirichenko commanded corps units during raids behind enemy lines during the Donbass offensive operation.

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During the Donbas strategic offensive operation, the Soviet troops defeated 13 enemy divisions and advanced in the western direction for 300 km. The liberated town of Zmiev after heavy fighting. South-Western Front.

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Heavy fighting in the area of the Seversky Donets River.

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During the Donbass strategic offensive operation, Soviet troops defeated 13 enemy divisions and advanced 300 kilometers westward. A column of German prisoners near the town of Zmiev. South-Western Front.

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This is how the city of Stalino (now Donetsk) looked after liberation.

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