Soviet armored forces launched a military operation into Budapest during early morning hours on 5 November 1956, targeting areas held by resistance fighters. The Soviet High Command issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Imre Nagy’s government, demanding surrender by noon or threatening to bomb the city. By early afternoon, Moscow radio declared that the Hungarian counter-revolution had been defeated, though reports indicated that sporadic gunfire continued in various parts of the city.
Imre Nagy broadcast an appeal in both English and Hungarian describing the Soviet attack as an attempt to overthrow the democratic government of the Hungarian People’s Republic. He subsequently disappeared from public view, with reports suggesting his arrest along with other government members. Before going off the air, Budapest radio broadcast emotional appeals for international assistance, describing the situation as a final stand for Hungarian freedom. The Soviet authorities announced the formation of a new “Revolutionary Workers’ and Peasants’ Government” led by János Kádár, a Communist Party official.
The international response included diplomatic interventions from Western powers. President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent an urgent message to Soviet Premier Marshal Bulganin expressing concern about the military action and calling for Soviet withdrawal. Prime Minister Nagy had appealed through the British Legation for United Nations intervention. While the Soviet Union blocked Security Council discussion of the matter, the General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of an American resolution demanding that Soviet forces halt their attack and withdraw without delay.
Refugees began fleeing westward from Hungarian border towns, with accounts describing scenes of panic as military equipment moved into position. The editorial commentary of the time debated whether earlier military actions elsewhere had influenced Soviet decision-making and raised concerns about the implications for future East-West tensions in Europe. Yugoslav officials offered a measured response, acknowledging concerns about foreign military intervention while suggesting that internal Hungarian developments had contributed to the situation.
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