The 7th and 15th Soviet Armies, advancing behind collapsing White Russian forces, began their attack as they approached the fortified positions at the state border near Narva.

The first clashes took place on Luga River on 16 November, starting the conclusive battles with 120,000 Soviets facing 40,000 Estonians.

[3] On 16 December, the situation became critical as forward units of the 15th Red Army crossed the Narva River.

After suffering 35,000 casualties in heavy battles, the Red Army was completely exhausted by the end of December.

By this time, negotiations with Bolshevik representatives brokered a ceasefire between the Red Army and the Estonian forces.