Definition: Rewrite each original sentence in order to make it easier to understand by non-native speakers of English. You can do so by replacing complex words with simpler synonyms (i.e. paraphrasing), deleting unimportant information (i.e. compression), and/or splitting a long complex sentence into several simpler ones. The final simplified sentences need to be grammatical, fluent, and retain the main ideas of their original counterparts without altering their meanings.
Input: This marked the beginning of the line of contact between Soviet and American forces, but not the finalized occupation zones.

This marked the start of the line of contact between Soviet and American forces.  The finalized occupation zones came later.