NEMMERSDORF (MAYAKOVSKOYE), EAST PRUSSIA (RUSSIA) – OCTOBER 1944 The Nemmersdorf massacre is one of the most infamous acts associated with the Red Army's advance into East Prussia during World War II. It took place on October 21, 1944, when Soviet forces captured the German village of Nemmersdorf (now Mayakovskoye in Russia). This event became a symbol of Soviet war crimes and was widely used in Nazi propaganda.
The Soviet 11th Guards Army crossed the Angerapp River and entered German territory. Nemmersdorf was one of the first villages to fall under Soviet control. According to Nazi sources, Soviet soldiers massacred civilians, including women and children, and some victims were allegedly mutilated and raped. When German forces briefly recaptured the village, the event was used for propaganda purposes.

After the war, as expected, doubts arose about the veracity of these reports. The Soviet side claimed that the accusations were Nazi fabrications, and some historians believe that the testimonies may have been manipulated. However, there is evidence of violence against the civilian population in areas occupied by the Red Army.

The Nemmersdorf massacre increased fear among the German population and reinforced their determination to fight to the bitter end.