The Battle of Kursk: 70 Years On

The Battle of Kursk lasted from July 5 through August 23, 1943 and was one of the Second World War’s most decisive battles, marking a turning point in fighting on the Eastern Front. RIA Novosti presents photographs from that period.
Photo: 1943. De-mining units clearing mines laid by Nazi forces as they retreated after losing the Battle of Kursk.

August 1943. The Red Army’s anti-aircraft gunners on the battlefield at Kursk Bulge (also known as Kursk Salient).Советские зенитчики в районе боев на Курской дуге.

July 1943. Artillery officers examining a destroyed Nazi Panther tank during the Battle of Kursk to find out where it is most vulnerable. Kursk Bulge.

Alexey Frolchenko, Red Army reconnaissance soldier, senior sergeant and participant in the Battle of Kursk Bulge, 1943.

July 1943. Red Army soldiers standing by a Nazi Panther self-propelled gun destroyed by the Red Army artillery near the village of Prokhorovka, during the Battle of Kursk Bulge.

A Kursk Bulge combatant strumming some tunes on a guitar during a let-up in the fighting.

July 1943. A machine-gun team getting into position to open fire.

July 1943. Anti-tank riflemen repelling an enemy tank attack near a defunct tank in the Battle of Kursk Bulge.

July 1943. Anti-tank riflemen in action during the Battle of Kursk Bulge.

July 1943. Reserve units heading to the frontline.