The Battle of Stalingrad took place between 17 July 1942 and 2 February 1943. The capture of Stalingrad was important for two primary reasons. First, it was a major industrial city on the Volga River and second its capture would secure the German armies left flank as they advanced into the oil-rich Caucasus region. Although the Germans managed to capture 90% of the city, the Russians continued to defend the city until the Red Army launched Operation Uranus on 19 November 1942 which finally led to the surrender of the German Sixth Armys remnants on 2 Februar 1943.