Mid-January 1945 (Patreon)

During November and December of 1944 the the main force of the Red Army in Poland was undertaking extensive preparations for the Winter offensive towards Berlin, which would be launched in the middle of January. 

At the same time a smaller southern force was continuing its advance in Hungary. With most of the front quiet, the Axis forces were able to strengthen their defenses there, which limited the Red Army's progress. In January the action was concentrated around Budapest, which was encircled by Soviet forces. The Soviets were clearing out the garrison of the city, while the Axis attempted to relieve it.

The Germans used the relative quiet on the Eastern front in order to attempt to encircle part of the forces of the Western Allies. Their attack had failed and by the middle of January they were being pushed back.