Map from David Glantz and Jonathan House "The Battle of Kursk." Map from David Glantz and Jonathan House "The Battle of Kursk."The map in the New York Times is reasonably accurate. They were wildly inaccurate during the chaotic days of June-October 1941, but now the Soviets are a bit more forthcoming with information. Why not? They are winning.
Cutting the direct rail link into Kharkov from Bryansk was an important development in this battle. Now only one rail link is open to the south, but the German trains have to take a much longer route through southern Poland and Ukraine to reach the city. The Germans are heavily outnumbered, especially in front line infantry. The only thing that is keeping the Soviets at bay is the German artillery, which is expending huge amounts of ordinance to create “curtains” of artillery fire to protect the German positions. Any interruption of the supply of shells will have a serious negative effect on the German defenses.