Operation Uranus
천왕성 작전
Operation Uranus was a Soviet strategic counteroffensive that began on 19 November 1942 by breaking through the flanks of German and allied Axis forces around Stalingrad. Soviet spearheads linked near Kalach on 23 November, encircling the main Axis grouping in the Stalingrad area and shifting the initiative to the Soviet side.
In depth
Character of the operation
The Soviet high command planned more than a relief attack for the forces holding the city. It sought a deep penetration against the flanks and rear of the main Axis grouping, with the Southwestern and Stalingrad Fronts delivering the principal blows and the Don Front supporting them; Stavka approved the plan on 13 November 1942.
Course and result
The offensive opened by rupturing Romanian defensive positions. Armoured and mechanized formations from the Southwestern and Stalingrad Fronts linked near Kalach on 23 November, closing the encirclement around an Axis grouping estimated at roughly 300,000 personnel. The surrounded forces held out until their surrender in February 1943, while Uranus transformed the course of the Battle of Stalingrad and the strategic balance on the Eastern Front.