The Tallinn Offensive was a key military operation as part of the broader Soviet campaign to reclaim occupied Baltic states from German control during World War II. Starting on September 17, 1944, Soviet troops, succeeding in previous campaigns throughout 1944, initiated a fierce assault on the German-held city of Tallinn. The offensive combined ground assaults from the Red Army with naval support from the Baltic Fleet, maximizing pressure on German defenders who were stretched thin. Concurrently, pro-independence Estonian units collaborated with the Soviets, hoping to seize the moment to assert their independence aspirations amidst the chaos of the war.

The offensive's primary objective was to secure Tallinn strategically, as it served as a vital port city and a symbol of Estonian nationalism. Heavy fighting ensued, with Soviet forces employing a mix of infantry and armored units. German commanders, facing overwhelming odds and a rapidly deteriorating situation, struggled to maintain control. Despite their determined defense, Tallinn fell into Soviet hands within a few weeks. The events around the offensive were crucial not only for military strategy but also for the political landscape of the Baltic region under the looming threat of Soviet dominance.

This campaign's conclusion marked a significant shift, as Estonia would soon become an integral part of the Soviet Union, impacting Estonian national identity and shaping the region's post-war dynamics. The offensive highlighted the complicated interplay between military strategy, local aspirations for independence, and the greater geopolitical ambitions of the Soviet Union at the time.