The Russian Campaign, 1942
Russian Winter Offensive. The Soviets' success in stopping the Germans before Moscow encouraged them to stay on the offensive in early 1942. The Germans were ill equipped for cold weather, and the forward lines were so far from Germany that supplying the troops became increasingly difficult. The Soviets attacked to the north and south of Moscow, hoping to encircle and isolate the German army that faced the city. The Soviets met with unexpected success and retook much ground, but suffered such heavy losses that the offensive eventually stalled. German losses were also heavy, in part because Hitler refused to allow his troops to fall back to defensible positions, An offensive was also begun from the besieged city of Leningrad, but the Soviets made little progress there. The Russian offensive ended in late February, and both sides made plans for spring operations.
