⚔️📍 Kharkov, Ukraine, USSR1942
Second Battle of Kharkov — Soviet Disaster
Soviet Marshal Timoshenko launched a massive offensive to retake Kharkov, initially achieving surprise. German forces under von Kleist encircled two Soviet armies in the largest encirclement of 1942, capturing over 240,000 prisoners.
The Kharkov disaster opened the path for Germany's Operation Blue, the summer 1942 offensive that drove to the Volga and led directly to Stalingrad.
Outcome
German victory; 240,000 Soviets captured
Casualties
277,000