After the crippling loss of Kiev the Red Army has thrown in the South-West Front to protect the oil fields of the Caucasus. It's virtually the last reserve they have.
Smash them, secure the oil fields and we will be home by summer! 

Aah, the last intelligence report. The Luftwaffe indicates that a tank division is trying to establish contact with the defenders of Maikop but they will take about one week to arrive.

Anyway, finish them off before!