The battle for Leningrad (1941–1944), known as the Siege of Leningrad, was one of the longest and most harrowing sieges in history during World War II. Launched by Nazi Germany and supported by Finnish forces, the siege began in September 1941 with the goal of capturing the Soviet city of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). For 872 days, the city was surrounded, leading to severe shortages of food, fuel, and supplies.
Despite relentless bombardments and harsh winters, the Soviet defenders and residents resisted fiercely, enduring immense hardship and starvation, with over a million civilian deaths due to famine and cold.
The siege was finally broken in January 1944 by a Soviet offensive, which pushed German forces back and lifted the encirclement. The defense of Leningrad became a symbol of Soviet resilience and sacrifice.
