The critical battle that marked the turning point in World War II on the Eastern Front was the Battle of Stalingrad, fought from 1942 to 1943. This battle represented a significant defeat for the German forces at the hands of the Soviet Union. The brutal combat and high casualties inflicted heavy losses on both sides, but the Soviet victory halted the German advance into the Soviet territory. Stalingrad became a symbol of Soviet resilience and determination, marking the beginning of a series of offensives that would eventually lead to the Soviet capture of Berlin in 1945.