Soviet Union's Invasion of Poland Explained

The Soviet Union's invasion of Poland marked a critical phase in the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe. This military action occurred as part of a broader strategy following the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. The invasion began from the east, with Soviet forces advancing into Polish territory and occupying areas east of the Curzon Line, which had been established as a demarcation line for post-World War I borders. Key regions such as Białystok and Eastern Galicia fell under Soviet control, significantly altering the map of Eastern Europe and impacting the lives of millions of Polish citizens. The invasion was characterized by a swift military campaign, with the Red Army employing tactics that had been refined during the Spanish Civil War, leading to a rapid occupation of the territory.