The siege of Vukovar, which began on August 26, 1991, was one of the longest and bloodiest events during the Croatian War of Independence. Located in eastern Croatia, Vukovar became a symbol of resistance against the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and ethnic Serb militias who aimed to secure territory in Croatia. As the city was encircled, residents and defenders alike faced relentless bombardments, leading to a humanitarian crisis as civilians were trapped with limited access to food, water, and medical aid. Armed primarily with rifles and improvised weapons, the defenders fought valiantly against the modern and more heavily armed JNA, who employed artillery and tanks with devastating effectiveness.

Throughout the 87 days of siege, the situation escalated with increasing casualties. By the time Vukovar surrendered on November 18, approximately 1,800 people had been killed, with thousands more wounded. The capture of the city led to widespread atrocities, including the infamous Vukovar Massacre, where captured defenders were systematically executed. Following the fall of Vukovar, much of the city was left in ruins, epitomizing the brutal realities of ethnic conflicts in the region.

In the aftermath, the fall of Vukovar reshaped the conflict landscape in Croatia. It solidified international concerns regarding the war's humanitarian toll, leading to greater scrutiny and eventual intervention by foreign nations and international organizations. The resistance in Vukovar, however, inspired a sense of national pride and unity amongst Croatians, boosting efforts to continue the fight for independence despite severe setbacks.