Third Battle of Kharkov

A series of Eastern Front battles in February and March 1943 that ended with German forces recapturing Kharkov from the Soviet Union.

Manstein's Backhand Blow: A German counteroffensive in February and March 1943 that exploited Soviet overextension in southern Russia. Its mobile counterattack formed the operational core of the German recovery.
Erich von Manstein: A German field marshal who commanded Army Group South during major Eastern Front campaigns. He coordinated the counteroffensive that retook Kharkov.
Battle of Stalingrad: A major 1942–43 battle in which Soviet forces encircled and defeated a German army at Stalingrad. Germany's defeat there created the opening for Soviet advances across southern Russia.
Battle of Kursk: A July–August 1943 battle in which Soviet forces defeated Germany's final major offensive on the Eastern Front. The Kharkov campaign ended with both armies facing the salient that Germany attacked at Kursk.
Operation Star: A Soviet offensive in February 1943 aimed at Kharkov and the Donbas. Its advances opened the campaign before German forces counterattacked.
Nikolai Vatutin: A Soviet general who commanded the Southwestern Front during the 1942–43 campaigns in Ukraine. His forces advanced deep into German-held territory before the counterattack.
Operation Uranus: The Soviet November 1942 offensive that encircled German forces at Stalingrad. Its success forced Germany to shift forces and left a broad front vulnerable.
Belgorod–Kharkov Strategic Offensive Operation: A Soviet August 1943 offensive that recaptured Belgorod and Kharkov. It reversed the German gains made in March and secured the cities permanently.
Operation Gallop: A Soviet offensive in February and March 1943 toward the Sea of Azov and the Donbas. Its exposed southern flank helped create the conditions for Manstein's counterstroke.
Georgy Zhukov: A Soviet marshal who held senior command roles during the Second World War. He helped direct Soviet operations in the south during the campaign's opening phase.

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First Battle of KharkovCompared with: It continued the repeated struggle for control of the same city.