Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On February 13, 1945, the Budapest Strategic Offensive Operation concluded with the liberation of the Hungarian capital. In terms of duration and ferocity, the battle for Budapest even surpassed the capture of Berlin.
Why Budapest was more important to Hitler than Berlin
The main reason Budapest and Hungary as a whole were so valuable to Hitler were the last remaining oil fields. Without kerosene and other oil-derived fuels, aircraft couldn't take off, and tank armadas couldn't move into battle. The Führer attached particular importance to the oil-rich Nagykanizsa region.
Hitler stated that he would rather agree to the surrender of Berlin than to the loss of Hungarian oil.
To hold these strategically important territories, Hitler issued a directive ordering his forces in Hungary to stand firm, regardless of losses. He dispatched half of his available tank corps to the region, as well as elite SS units.
Execution of the USSR parliamentarians
The Soviet command tried to avoid bloodshed and destruction of the most beautiful city in Europe.
Two groups of parliamentarians under the command of captains Ivan Ostapenko and Miklos Steinmetz were sent to the German generals.
However, in violation of all norms of warfare, the negotiators were executed. Having begun the war with a treacherous attack on the USSR in June 1941, German troops ended it as vile murderers, determined to destroy as many as possible.
It became obvious that an assault was inevitable.
The storming of Budapest
The assault on the Hungarian capital lasted 108 days, and continuous street fighting lasted 48 days.
Up to 100,000 German and Hungarian soldiers were surrounded. Every house was converted into a fortification—the city was completely mined.
Tanks were rarely used – fighting raged for every floor and room. Assault teams advanced: infantry, sappers, and flamethrowers. Underground passages, breaches in walls, and rooftop fire were used, as in Stalingrad.
The Germans attempted three times to break through to the encircled forces, but not so much to rescue them as to bring in reinforcements and defend the city. In January 1945, over 600 tanks participated in one counterattack, but all attempts to break the blockade were repelled.
Memories of a participant in the battle – a GUU employee
Gennady Belykh, a participant who worked after the war at the Sergo Ordzhonikidze State Academy of Management (now the State University of Management), recalled how the battles for the city unfolded:
"In the battle for Budapest, our troops gained extensive experience in conducting combat operations to capture a large city. In this regard, I would like to particularly commend the bold and proactive actions of the assault groups, which played a decisive role in capturing Budapest.
A handful of brave men – machine gunners, sappers, flamethrowers – supported by fire from heavy machine guns, artillery and tanks, quietly approached the building, which the enemy had turned into a stronghold, threw fans into the windows, broke into the house and waged a fierce battle for every room, for every flight of stairs.
Assault groups typically operated not along streets that were under enemy fire, but through passageways and breaches. Our soldiers tried to get behind enemy lines, to ambush them out of the blue. Night was the best time for this—the Nazis feared night combat."
Results of the liberation of Budapest
The liberation of Budapest was completed on February 13, 1945. Fifty-six elite enemy divisions were routed in the battle for the Hungarian capital. Over 130,000 people were captured. The Red Army lost approximately 80,000 soldiers and officers.
The defeat of the German Army Group South opened the way to Austria, Hungary effectively left the war, and Hitler's troops lost their last accessible oil fields.
Medal "For the Capture of Budapest"
In June 1945, the Medal "For the Capture of Budapest" was established. It was awarded to more than 362,000 Red Army soldiers and commanders. This award held a special place in the USSR: the Medal "For the Capture of Budapest" on a soldier's chest meant one thing—the man had been through hell.
The staff of the State University of Management, ours, were also awarded with such medals.
Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Davydov, Guards Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Head of Department at the Research Laboratory of the Moscow Institute of Power Engineering and Management (MIEI-MIU) from 1962 to 1985; Gennady Belykh, Colonel, Head of the Educational and Methodological Department at MIEU; Petr Burov, Engineer Major, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at MIEI from 1952 to 1962; Ivan Stalnoy, Engineer Major, Chief of Staff of the Railway Troops of the 3rd Ukrainian Front, Associate Professor of the Department of Structures and Designs at MIEI.
We remember their feat and honor their memory.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 13, 2026.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.