On February 3, 1943, the Battle of Stalingrad came to a close with a decisive Soviet victory. The battle, one of the bloodiest in history, lasted for over five months and resulted in an estimated 2 million casualties, including soldiers and civilians. The defeat of Nazi forces at Stalingrad marked a turning point in World War II, as it ended Hitlers plans to capture the Soviet Union and shifted the momentum in favor of the Allies. The harsh winter conditions and brutal urban warfare led to massive destruction in the city. The victory boosted Soviet morale and laid the foundation for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.