Siege of Leningrad

The Siege of Leningrad was a military siege of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) by German, Finnish, and their allies during World War II. It lasted from September 8, 1941, to January 27, 1944, a total of 872 days. On September 8, 1941, troops of the Sever Group captured Shlisselburg (Petrokrepost), leading to the complete encirclement of Leningrad from land. Finnish forces blockaded the city from the north, but were stopped by the 23rd Army at the Karelian Fortified Region. By the beginning of the siege, the city lacked sufficient food and fuel for a prolonged siege. The only remaining route to Leningrad was across Lake Ladoga, which was within range of the besieging forces' artillery and air force, as well as the enemy's naval forces. Hunger became one of the main problems. On November 20, 1941, the lowest bread rations of the entire siege were introduced—250 grams for workers' ration cards and 125 grams for employees and children. Pulp, cottonseed meal, potato peelings, and other additives were added to the bread. People ate the meal, wallpaper glue, leather belts, and boots. The cold made the situation worse. The winter of 1941–1942 was particularly harsh, with temperatures ranging from -20 to -32°C. In apartments heated only by small stoves, the temperature rarely exceeded freezing. You voluntarily went to war with Russian soldiers. You are 18 years old.

The Nazis attack Leningrad on Adolf Hitler's orders.