The Battle of Berlin, also known as the Berlin Strategic Offensive Operation by the Soviet Union and the Fall of Berlin, marked one of the final major conflicts of the European theatre during World War II. The battle unfolded in April and May 1945, culminating in the fall of Nazi Germany.

Following the Vistula–Oder offensive in early 1945, the Red Army paused 60 kilometers east of Berlin. On March 9, the German defense strategy, Operation Clausewitz, was activated, and fortifications began on March 20 under General Gotthard Heinrici, leader of Army Group Vistula.

The Soviet assault on Berlin resumed on April 16, with two Soviet fronts attacking from the east and south, while a third front bypassed to the north. The city was encircled after Soviet victories at the Seelow Heights and Halbe. On April 20, coinciding with Adolf Hitler's birthday, the Soviet bombardment of central Berlin began under Marshal Georgy Zhukov from the east and Marshal Ivan Konev from the south.

Berlin's defense was commanded by General Helmuth Weidling starting April 23. The defending forces, comprised of weakened army divisions, Waffen-SS units, and hastily assembled Volkssturm and Hitler Youth groups, were quickly overwhelmed. Soviet forces captured the entire city by the end of April.

Adolf Hitler and several officials committed suicide on April 30. The city officially surrendered on May 2, although isolated fighting continued until the official end of the war in Europe on May 8, 1945 (May 9 in the Soviet Union). Some German units continued combat, attempting to surrender to Western Allies rather than the Soviets, indicating the desperation and chaotic nature of the war's final days.