The Siege of Przemyśl began shortly after the outbreak of World War I, as the Russian Empire launched extensive military operations against the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the Eastern Front. Przemyśl was a strategic fortress, hosting a large garrison designed to protect Austria-Hungary's southeastern borders. With its location at a key transportation hub, control over the city was vital for both military logistics and territorial integrity. The siege effectively cut off supply lines, creating a desperate situation for the defending troops and civilian population within the fortress.

As the Russian forces encountered the determined defenses, the siege turned into an enduring battle of attrition, with waves of assaults against the city. The defenders managed to hold out for several months despite dwindling resources, suffering from cold, starvation, and disease. The Austro-Hungarians employed various tactical maneuvers to maintain their position, but continuous pressure from the Russian troops ultimately strained their capabilities. In early 1915, the siege culminated in a tragic surrender, marking one of the most significant defeats for Austro-Hungary in World War I.

The fall of Przemyśl not only opened the door for further Russian advances into Austrian territory but also demoralized the Austro-Hungarian forces, foreshadowing a series of challenges the empire would face throughout the war. The casualties were heavy, and the event underscored the brutal realities of trench warfare that characterized World War I.