Konev intended to break out of the Steinau and Ohlau bridgeheads, which had been secured at the end of the Vistula–Oder offensive, on February 8.

He preceded the initial attack with a fifty-minute artillery bombardment, his troops crossing the start lines at 06:00.

By February 15, forces from the two bridgeheads had surrounded Breslau while 3rd Guards Tank Army had closed the gap to the west, only elements of the German 269th Infantry Division managing to withdraw.

On February 24, faced with heavy German reinforcements, Konev closed the offensive phase of operations, having secured a small bridgehead across the Neisse near Forst.

Schoerner attempted to win back some territory during March with successful counter-attacks at Lauban and Striegau.