 During fighting between Soviet and Japanese forces on the island during World War II, Battalion Commander Leonid Smirnykh and Sergeant Anton Buyukly were killed; the localities of Smyrnikh, Leonidovo, and Buyukly are named in their honor.Within the framework of administrative divisions, Smirnykh serves as the administrative center of Smirnykhovsky District and is subordinated to it.As a municipal division, the urban-type settlement of Smirnykh and thirteen rural localities of Smirnykhovsky District are incorporated as Smirnykhovsky Urban Okrug.