The Siege of Budapest, a major battle in the closing stages of World War II, began in December 1944 as Soviet forces sought to capture the Hungarian capital, which was heavily fortified by German and Hungarian troops. The Soviet Union aimed to eliminate Axis resistance in Eastern Europe and secure vital supply routes. During the siege, the defenders faced crippling shortages of food and ammunition while Soviet forces conducted relentless attacks, utilizing intense artillery shelling and house-to-house combat tactics. By early February, conditions for the defenders had deteriorated significantly, forcing them into a desperate situation. The street fighting was brutal, with both sides suffering heavy casualties, and the civilian population caught in the crossfire faced immense hardships. As morale plummeted among the defenders, highlighted by their dwindling resources and increasing casualties, the Red Army intensified its offensive. The final assault reached its climax on February 12, 1945, as Soviet troops penetrated the last defensive positions in Budapest. The next day, German and Hungarian commanders conceded defeat, leading to their unconditional surrender to the Red Army. This pivotal moment not only represented a significant military victory for the Soviets but also set the stage for the eventual Soviet liberation of Hungary from Axis control.