Allies (Soviet Union)Objective
The Soviet objective was to slow the German advance, defend the Smolensk gateway, and preserve forces where possible.
SmolenskAlliesTanks
The 1941 Battle of Smolensk was fought during Operation Barbarossa on the main road toward Moscow.
Axis (German Army)Objective
The German objective was to encircle Soviet armies around Smolensk and clear the path for a drive on Moscow.
Germany captured the city after major encirclements, but Soviet resistance delayed the timetable for the advance on Moscow.