ABSTRACT
The decision to unite the forces of Belov and Kazankin reflected the realities of the situation at the beginning of April on the Eastern Front in general, and in the Moscow sector in particular. In fact, the power of the Soviet offensive had long since ebbed, and the frenetic headlong advance across the entire front had transformed itself into a nasty struggle for the initiative in specific sectors. Soviet forces had seized Iukhnov, but had failed to secure Rzhev, Gzhatsk, Viaz’ma, Kirov, and Sukhinichi. Wherever Soviet forces had penetrated deep into the German rear (39th Army, 33d Army, Group Belov, and 4th Airborne Corps), these forces were now subject to heavy German counterattacks and real or potential encirclement and destruction.
