The Battle of Kursk represented a critical moment in World War II, taking place on the Eastern Front between Soviet and German forces. Initiated in early July 1943, the battle was characterized by its scale—the largest armored engagement in history—anchored in the areas surrounding the village of Prokhorovka. The German command, under Hitler, sought to regain the initiative after setbacks at Stalingrad and the subsequent Soviet offensives. Operation Citadel, as it was known, aimed to create a pocket capturing Soviet forces and to reclaim territory lost in previous engagements.

In the lead-up to the battle, the Soviets meticulously fortified their defenses, anticipating a major German offensive. The Germans began their assault on July 5, deploying their most elite units and significant air support. However, the Soviets, benefiting from superior logistics and extensive intelligence, were well-prepared for the onslaught. The battle saw an unprecedented concentration of armor, with the Soviets fielding over 5,000 tanks and the Germans approximately 2,800. The encounter near Prokhorovka became legendary, with epic tank duels and the use of combined arms tactics coming to the forefront.

As the battle unfolded, the ferocity of the combat resulted in staggering losses for both sides, but ultimately, the Soviet defense held firm. By mid-July, the failed German offensive had expended much of its strength, and the Soviets began a series of counteroffensives that would push the Germans westward. The Battle of Kursk not only marked the last major German offensive in the East but also set the stage for the Soviet Union's strategic initiative for the rest of the war, ultimately contributing to their victory over Nazi Germany.