World War: Peril in the South

While Russian counteroffensive and counterattack proceeded vigorously in the center (see below), in the Ukraine things began to look dim for Joseph Stalin this week.

Brilliant Nazi Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt had smashed across the Dnieper at two points. He drove southward from the Gomel sector and took Chernigov, 80 miles to the northeast of the Ukraine's capital, Kiev, whence he was in excellent position to get in Kiev's rear, and complete its encirclement (see map). Even more dangerous to Russian hopes was his capture of Kremenchug, 160 miles to Kiev's southeast....

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!