The Battle of Berlin, designated the Berlin Strategic Offensive Operation by the Soviet Union, was the final major offensive of the European theatre of World War II.

The Red Army had temporarily halted on a line 60 km (37 mi) east of Berlin. On 9 March, Germany established its defence plan for the city. The first defensive preparations at the outskirts of Berlin were made on 20 March, under the newly appointed commander General Gotthard.

When the Soviet offensive resumed on 16 April, two Soviet fronts (army groups) attacked Berlin from the east and south, while a third overran north of Berlin. Before the main battle in Berlin commenced, the Red Army encircled the city after successful battles of the Seelow Heights and Halbe.On 23 April General Helmuth Weidling assumed command of the forces within Berlin. The garrison consisted of poorly trained Volkssturm and Hitler Youth members.
Before the battle was over, Hitler and several of his followers killed themselves.

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