Do not mess around! 1948

Artists: V. Govorkov, 1948. The poster shows a confident Soviet officer leaning out of a window marked with the letters USSR, raising his finger in a warning gesture and holding a red book titled “Great Patriotic War 1941 to 1945,” symbolizing authority, victory, and moral strength. Below him stands a caricatured capitalist figure in a tuxedo and top hat, holding a Molotov cocktail labeled “War,” whose menacing intentions are stopped by the stern gaze and firm warning of the soldier. The contrast between the calm, disciplined Soviet defender and the sneaky, destructive aggressor emphasizes the idea of national security and vigilance. The composition suggests that attempts to threaten or provoke the Soviet Union will meet a decisive and confident response. The Russian text at the top reads: «Не балуй!» translated as “Do not play tricks!” or “Do not mess around!” which serves as a strict warning to external enemies and hostile forces.