The Siege of Leningrad (Russian: блокада Ленинграда; German: Leningrader Blockade) stands as one of the most brutal and prolonged military blockades in human history. This devastating event unfolded on the Eastern Front of World War II, targeting the strategically vital Soviet city of Leningrad, now globally recognized as Saint Petersburg. From the south, the formidable Army Group North of Nazi Germany launched the primary assault, aiming to isolate and ultimately destroy the city.

A crucial element in the complete encirclement of Leningrad was the involvement of the Finnish army. Advancing from the north as part of the Continuation War, which saw Finland allied with Germany against the Soviet Union, Finnish forces secured positions that effectively sealed off the city's northern access. While the Finns maintained static defensive lines and did not actively participate in the direct assault on Leningrad itself, their presence completed the deadly ring around the city, severing all routes for supplies and evacuation.

The siege commenced on 8 September 1941. On this grim day, the German Wehrmacht succeeded in severing the last remaining road link to Leningrad, effectively trapping its millions of inhabitants and defenders. This act immediately plunged the city into an unprecedented crisis, cutting off critical supplies of food, fuel, and medical aid, foreshadowing the immense suffering that would define the subsequent years.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Soviet forces demonstrated immense resilience. After more than a year of relentless struggle, they managed a breakthrough. On 18 January 1943, following the successful execution of Operation Iskra (Spark), the Red Army opened a narrow land corridor to the city. This vital, albeit precarious, lifeline allowed for some essential supplies to reach the beleaguered population and facilitated limited evacuations. However, the full lifting of the siege remained elusive for another year. It was not until 27 January 1944, a staggering 872 days after its commencement, that the Red Army finally broke the encirclement, liberating Leningrad from the suffocating grip of the blockade.

The Unprecedented Human Cost and Legacy of the Siege

The Siege of Leningrad is widely regarded as one of the most destructive and, quite possibly, the costliest siege in recorded history. The sheer scale of human suffering and loss of life is almost unimaginable. Over its duration, an estimated 1.5 million people perished, the vast majority being civilians. These casualties resulted primarily from systematic starvation, exacerbated by extreme cold, relentless artillery shelling, and rampant disease. The German high command, notably Adolf Hitler, had issued directives advocating the destruction of Leningrad and its population rather than its capture, aiming to eliminate it as a Soviet center.

In the 21st century, the heinous nature of the events has led many historians and legal scholars to classify the Siege of Leningrad as an act of genocide. This classification stems from the documented evidence of a deliberate policy of attrition, where the systematic starvation and intentional destruction of the city's civilian population were central to the Axis strategy. The refusal of surrender terms, coupled with the methodical cutting off of food supplies and constant bombardment, points to an intent to annihilate the populace, fitting the criteria for genocide.

The Battle of Krasny Bor represents a pivotal, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, engagement within the larger context of Operation Polyarnaya Zvezda (Polar Star) on the Eastern Front of World War II. Launched in February 1943, this ambitious Soviet offensive aimed to capitalize on the tactical gains of Operation Iskra – which had earlier opened a vital land corridor to Leningrad – and achieve the complete lifting of the Siege of Leningrad. Beyond mere relief, Operation Polyarnaya Zvezda harbored the more audacious objective of encircling and annihilating a significant portion of the German 18th Army, thereby delivering a decisive blow to the Axis forces in the region.

The offensive near the small town of Krasny Bor, situated southwest of Leningrad, formed the critical western arm of this intended pincer movement. The Soviet assault began on Wednesday, 10 February 1943. Initial actions saw the Soviet forces make noticeable gains, pressing forward against the Axis lines.

The Fierce Defense of Krasny Bor

However, these initial successes were short-lived, as the Soviet advance rapidly devolved into a brutal stalemate. The sector was defended with extraordinary tenacity by a multinational contingent, notably the volunteers of the Spanish Blue Division (División Azul) and elements of the German SS Polizei Division. The Spanish Blue Division, composed of volunteers who had joined the German war effort out of anti-communist sentiment, fought with legendary ferocity, enduring heavy casualties but holding their ground against overwhelming Soviet numerical superiority.

This resolute and costly defense proved instrumental, buying critical time for the German command to rush in reinforcements and consolidate their defensive positions. Despite continuous Soviet pressure and repeated attempts to break through, the Axis lines held firm. By 13 February 1943, after days of intense fighting and unsustainable losses, the Soviet forces were compelled to halt their offensive in the Krasny Bor sector. While the broader Operation Polyarnaya Zvezda continued for some time, its primary objective of encircling the German 18th Army and completely lifting the siege was not achieved, in part due to the stalwart defense at Krasny Bor.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Siege of Leningrad and Related Operations

How long did the Siege of Leningrad last?

The Siege of Leningrad lasted for a harrowing 872 days, from 8 September 1941 until 27 January 1944.

What was the primary cause of death during the Siege of Leningrad?

The overwhelming majority of casualties, estimated at 1.5 million civilians, perished due to systematic starvation, exacerbated by extreme cold, relentless German artillery shelling, and widespread disease.

Why do some historians classify the Siege of Leningrad as genocide?

The classification as genocide stems from evidence suggesting a deliberate Nazi policy of attrition and the intentional destruction of the city's civilian population through systematic starvation. Directives from Hitler's command indicated a preference for the city's annihilation rather than its capture, fitting the criteria for genocidal intent.

What was the role of the Finnish army in the Siege of Leningrad?

The Finnish army advanced from the north as part of the Continuation War, establishing static defensive lines that completed the encirclement of Leningrad. While they did not actively participate in the direct assault on the city, their presence effectively sealed off all northern access routes, severing critical supply lines.

What was the Battle of Krasny Bor, and what was its objective?

The Battle of Krasny Bor was a key part of the Soviet Operation Polyarnaya Zvezda, launched in February 1943. Its objective was to create a pincer movement to completely lift the Siege of Leningrad and encircle a significant part of the German 18th Army, building on the success of Operation Iskra.

Which notable units defended Krasny Bor against the Soviet offensive?

The defense of Krasny Bor was primarily carried out by the Spanish Blue Division, a unit of Spanish volunteers fighting alongside Germany, and elements of the German SS Polizei Division. Their fierce resistance played a crucial role in stalling the Soviet advance.