Although German military commanders were of the opinion that Wehrmacht forces caught in the encirclement should break out, between 23 and 24 November Hitler decided instead to hold the position and attempt to resupply the Sixth Army by air.
Selv om de tyske generaler var af den opfattelse, at Wehrmacht styrkerne i lommen skulle forsøge at bryde ud, besluttede Hitler mellem den 23. og 24. november, at de skulle blive og at man skulle forsøge at forsyne 6. armé fra luften.