1. Immense Military Sacrifices: The Soviet Union suffered tremendous human and material losses during the war, with an estimated 27 million people killed, including both military personnel and civilians. This sacrifice made it one of the most significant contributors to the Allied victory.
2. Eastern Front: The Soviet Union fought a relentless battle against the German forces on the Eastern Front, engaging in some of the largest and bloodiest battles in history. This prolonged conflict diverted significant German resources and troops away from other fronts, weakening Germany's overall military strength.
3. Stalingrad Victory: The Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943) was a pivotal moment in the war. The Soviet victory marked a turning point, shattering Germany's myth of invincibility and giving the Allies a much-needed boost in morale.
4. Kursk Offensive: The Battle of Kursk (1943) was another major Soviet success. This large-scale offensive weakened the German army further, forcing them to adopt a defensive posture and significantly reducing their ability to launch major attacks.
5. D-Day and Normandy Landings: The Soviet victories and advances on the Eastern Front forced the Germans to move troops from Western Europe to face the Soviet threat. This helped ease pressure on the Allies during their landing in Normandy in June 1944, contributing to the eventual liberation of Western Europe.
6. Berlin Offensive: In April 1945, the Soviet Red Army launched a massive offensive towards Berlin. This decisive advance led to the capture of Berlin and the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945, marking the end of the war in Europe.
7. Post-War Diplomacy: After the war, the Soviet Union participated in international efforts to establish peace. It played a leading role in the formation of the United Nations (UN) and was one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Overall, the Soviet Union's immense sacrifices and military successes on the Eastern Front, coupled with its involvement in post-war diplomacy, contributed significantly to bringing peace and ending the war in Europe during World War II.