The Battle of Stalingrad, which began in the summer of 1942, became one of the turning points of World War II. As the German 6th Army, led by General Friedrich Paulus, advanced towards the city, their aim was to secure the vital transport route along the Volga River and to seize control of the oil fields in the Caucasus. By November 1942, after months of fierce fighting and heavy casualties on both sides, the German forces finally reached the Volga River. Capturing nearly 90% of Stalingrad, they managed to split the remaining Soviet forces into two narrow enclaves, a tactical victory that showcased the prowess and efficiency of the German military strategy at the time.

The situation for Soviet forces was dire. The city, reduced to rubble from relentless aerial and artillery bombardment, presented a daunting challenge for the defenders. Soldiers and civilians alike fought tenaciously in the urban ruins, utilizing every available structure for cover and defensive positions. The Soviet leadership, recognizing the strategic importance of Stalingrad, was determined to prevent its fall. They reorganized their troops and made preparations for a counter-offensive, which later culminated in the encirclement of the German 6th Army in late November.

The successful German advance raised alarms among the Soviet high command, who were concerned about the potential for complete encirclement and the loss of their industrial backbone. However, this moment of triumph for Axis forces was misleading, as it set the stage for what would become a catastrophic defeat for German forces in the months that followed. Stalingrad would not only become a symbol of Soviet resilience but also mark the beginning of the decline of German military power on the Eastern Front.