Kitöréses

Kitöréses is a Hungarian term that translates to "breakout" or "escape" and is primarily associated with the Siege of Budapest in 1945. During the final stages of World War II, the Axis forces, specifically the German Wehrmacht and its Hungarian allies, were encircled by the Soviet Red Army in the Hungarian capital. Facing overwhelming odds and a desperate situation, the remaining Axis troops attempted a coordinated breakout from the besieged city. This event, known as the kitörés, was a significant and bloody undertaking.

The kitörés began on February 11, 1945, and lasted for several days. The objective was to breach the Soviet lines and reach the German lines to the west. The escape attempt involved a desperate push through the ruined city and its surrounding areas, often through tunnels and sewers. However, the Soviets were well-prepared and anticipated the breakout. The attempt was largely unsuccessful, with heavy casualties suffered by the Axis forces. Thousands of soldiers were killed or captured during the fighting.

The kitörés has become a controversial and emotionally charged event in Hungarian history. For some, it represents a tragic act of resistance and a symbol of unwavering loyalty. For others, it is seen as a futile and costly sacrifice that prolonged the suffering of the civilian population. The event is remembered annually in Hungary, with commemorations often sparking debate about its historical interpretation and its place in national memory.