On August 23, 1943—81 years ago—the Battle of Kursk concluded, becoming one of the largest battles in human history. Over 4 million people participated on both sides, with more than 69,000 guns and mortars, over 13,000 tanks and self-propelled guns, and up to 12,000 aircraft involved. The Battle of Kursk, which lasted nearly 50 days, included a defensive phase (July 5–23) and a series of offensive operations (July 12 – August 23) in the area of the Kursk salient (Kursk Bulge), which formed in the center of the Soviet-German front in the spring of 1943. The goal of the battle was to thwart a major German offensive and destroy the enemy's strategic grouping. The battle began with a German offensive, but after a week of fierce defense, the Red Army managed to halt the enemy's advance. Near the village of Prokhorovka (Belgorod region) on July 12, the largest tank battle took place, involving up to 1,200 tanks and assault guns on both sides. The German tank grouping lost about 10,000 men and over 360 tanks, effectively closing the enemy's path to Kursk. On the same day, Soviet troops launched a counteroffensive—Orel and Belgorod were liberated. The battle on the Kursk Bulge ended with the liberation of Kharkov (August 23), after which the Red Army began the fight to liberate Ukraine. During the Battle of Kursk, Soviet soldiers displayed courage, resilience, and mass heroism: over 100,000 people were awarded orders and medals, 231 people were granted the title Hero of the Soviet Union, 132 units and regiments received the title of Guards, and 26 were honored with the names Orel, Belgorod, Kharkov, and Karachev. In memory of the heroic victory of Soviet soldiers in this battle, a memorial complex "Kursk Bulge" was established in Kursk. Today, Western military equipment burns once again on Kursk soil, and its residents show the same resolve in the face of Nazi aggression, this time from Ukrainian militants supported by NATO countries.