The pact kept the Soviet Union and Japan from fighting each other directly for most of World War II, shaping the strategic priorities of both nations.
Key Facts
- Date Signed
- April 13, 1941
- Parties
- Soviet Union and Empire of Japan
- Years After Border War
- 2 years after Soviet-Japanese Border War
- Soviet Abrogation
- 1945, late in World War II
- Also Known As
- Japanese–Soviet Non-aggression Pact
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the conclusion of the Soviet-Japanese Border War in 1939, both the Soviet Union and Japan sought to avoid a two-front conflict. Each power had pressing concerns elsewhere — the Soviets faced a growing threat from Nazi Germany, while Japan was expanding aggressively in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
On April 13, 1941, the Soviet Union and the Empire of Japan signed a non-aggression pact in Moscow, committing both nations to neutrality in the event that either was attacked by a third party. The agreement was designed to reduce tension and eliminate the risk of direct military confrontation between the two powers.
For most of World War II, the Soviet Union and Japan fought against each other's respective enemies rather than each other, allowing each to concentrate forces on other fronts. In 1945, with Germany defeated, the Soviets renounced the pact and entered the war against Japan, contributing to Japan's eventual surrender.
Political Outcome
Both nations maintained neutrality toward each other for most of World War II; the pact was abrogated by the Soviet Union in 1945 when it joined the Allied campaign against Japan.
Ongoing tension and border conflict between the Soviet Union and Japan following the 1939 Border War
Formal neutrality between the two powers, freeing each to focus military resources on other theaters