Felszabadítók

Felszabadítók is a Hungarian term that translates to "Liberators" in English. It is most commonly associated with the Soviet Union's military intervention in Hungary during and immediately after World War II. The Red Army entered Hungary in September 1944, ostensibly to defeat the Axis powers and liberate the country from Nazi Germany's influence.

The arrival of Soviet troops was initially welcomed by many Hungarians who had suffered under German occupation and the hardships of war. However, the Soviet presence quickly evolved from a liberation force into an occupying power. While the war officially ended in 1945, Soviet troops remained in Hungary, establishing a significant political and military presence.

The term "Felszabadítók" thus carries a dual and often contested meaning in Hungarian historical discourse. For some, it evokes the liberation from fascism, while for others, it symbolizes the beginning of Soviet domination and the loss of national sovereignty, which culminated in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. The narrative surrounding the "Liberators" is a crucial element in understanding Hungary's post-war history and its complex relationship with Russia. The legacy of this period continues to be debated and reinterpreted within Hungarian society and historiography.