"The Soviet Role in World War II: Realities and Myths" Topic

"It would be much better not only for the history of Russia but also for the country's future if Russian leaders were willing to permit—and even encourage—a much more even-handed discussion of the Soviet Union's role in the war. MARK KRAMER

This history is important to bear in mind nowadays because the Soviet Union's role in the war has been obscured in myths—myths that arose initially during the Soviet period and that have multiplied in recent years under Vladimir Putin. One of the more disingenuous myths, fostered last year and earlier this year by Putin, is that Poland started the war—a bizarre claim that turns history on its head. Another myth is that the Soviet Union's role in the Second World War began on 22 June 1941, when the Wehrmacht attacked the USSR. In reality, the Soviet Union was a leading participant from the very start, colluding for nearly two years with Nazi Germany.

The brutality of the Soviet occupation of eastern Poland, including massacres and widespread rapes, is a taboo subject in Russia nowadays under legislation adopted in May 2014 at Putin's behest. The legislation allows criminal charges, punishable by up to five years of prison as well as large fines, to be brought against anyone in Russia who "spreads information on military and memorial commemorative dates related to Russia's defense that is clearly disrespectful of society" or who "spreads intentionally false information about the Soviet Union's activities during World War II." Russian scholars who wish to investigate and write about sensitive topics, such as the collaboration of Russians with the Nazi occupiers or the atrocities committed by Soviet troops, are deterred from doing so lest they be sent to prison. Prosecutions and convictions have indeed occurred…"

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Armand

Anyone claiming WW2 began on Aug 23 1939 does not deserve a seconds indulgence

Some context around the 23-August-1939 date…

Wiki – Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact 1939

Eric Blair Wiki – ORWELL, George 1949 – 1984 is probably spinning in his grave about the ruzzian legislation:

Wiki – Russia law May-2014