Polesskoe Offensive

The Polesskoe Offensive, also known as the Battle of Kovel, was a Soviet offensive operation, launched by the 2nd Belorussian Front at the junction of Army Group South and Army Group Center, with the goal to strike deep into the flank and the rear of Army Group Center.[3] It was part of a greater Dnieper-Carpathian Strategic Offensive on the right-bank Ukraine.

Polleskoe Offensive/Battle of Kovel
Part of Dnieper–Carpathian Offensive
Date 15 March- 5 April 1944[1] Location Polesie region, Kovel area Result Tactical German victory[2]
Belligerents
Germany  Hungary	Soviet Union
Commanders and leaders
Herbert Gille	Pavel Kurochkin
Units involved
Elements of: 4th Panzer Army 2nd Army	2nd Belorussian Front

The offensive started out successfully, with the Red Army forces penetrating the German defenses in depth and pushing them back towards Kovel, a key town declared to be a fortress (Festung) by the Germans, which was encircled by Soviet units on 18 March.[4]

The German High Command, recognizing the danger to the rear of Army Group Center and the possible consequences of the fall of Kovel Garrison, took energetic measures to reinforce this sector. All told, between March–April 1944, the Germans transferred 9 divisions (including 2 panzer), 1 heavy panzer battalion and 2 StuG Assault Gun brigades from the main front of Army Group Center to its far right flank located deep in the rear of the army group, as well as 1 panzer division from Poland.[5]

Thanks to these reinforcements, the Kovel Garrison was de-blockaded by the German relief forces on 5 April 1944,[6] with Soviet forces being pushed back to the outskirts of Kovel, after which the front-lines stabilized.