Allies (Soviet Union)Objective
The Soviet objective was to hold Kharkov and continue the winter offensive into German-held Ukraine.
KharkovAxisDefault Garrisons
The Third Battle of Kharkov was fought in February and March 1943 after Soviet advances following Stalingrad overextended the front.
Axis (German Army)Objective
The German objective was to counterattack, recapture Kharkov, and restore the southern front before the spring thaw.
Germany retook Kharkov and stabilized the front, setting conditions for the later summer battle at Kursk.