16 April – The Red Army begins the Battle of Berlin in 1945

 

On 16 April 1945, during World War II, the Red Army of the Soviet Union began the Battle of Berlin. This major military operation marked the final phase of the war in Europe and aimed to capture the capital of Nazi Germany. The Battle of Berlin was part of the larger Soviet Berlin Offensive, which commenced on 16 April and lasted until 02 May 1945.

The Soviet forces, under the command of Marshal Georgy Zhukov, launched a massive assault on Berlin, facing fierce resistance from the German defenders. The battle was characterized by intense street fighting, artillery bombardments, and significant casualties on both sides.

The Battle of Berlin ultimately resulted in the surrender of Nazi Germany on 08 May 1945, following the suicide of Adolf Hitler and the unconditional surrender of German forces. The capture of Berlin by the Soviets effectively marked the end of the war in Europe and the collapse of the Third Reich.