On July 13, Moscow ordered Marshal Timoszenko to take an offensive against the German forces, which in the Smolensk cauldron was about to close another 300,000 Russians. For this purpose, three battle groups were formed, each consisting of three infantry divisions reinforced with armored battalions.

The first group attacked Gen. Kalachowa from the south, immediately creating danger in the area of the Jelnia, where the 10th Armored Division and the Grossdeutschland regiment were threatened by cuts.

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Task: keep the southern line of defense over Desna, and continue with the remaining forces in the north. At the earliest possible time, the front will be reinforced with two infantry divisions, but until then, positions in the Jelnia area must be maintained.

