German infantry steadily reduced the pocket, and by late July, the defending Soviet troops had run out of ammunition and other necessary supplies.

The defense of Mogilev tied down four German infantry divisions, delaying their attack on Gomel for a week.

In late June, Soviet troops began constructing defenses around Mogilev and on the Drut River 19 kilometers to the west of the city.

Heinz Guderian, commander of Panzer Group 2, decided to bypass the city instead of attacking it.

[5] A group led by 172nd Rifle Division commander Mikhail Romanov was the core of the defense.

On 21 July the 9th Regiment of the 23rd Division outflanked Soviet positions on a bridge into Mogilev from the southeast, capturing it after heavy fighting.

Late that day, Bakunin reported to 21st Army headquarters, stating that artillery shells had been "used up" and requesting more ammunition.

[11] On 22 July the 78th Infantry Division repulsed an attempt by Soviet troops to fight into the pocket from the northeast.

During the night the attacks of the 78th Infantry Division broke through the southern part of the Soviet lines, capturing 5,000 and large numbers of equipment.

[12] Western Front commander Semyon Timoshenko reported on 27 July that Bakunin had been turned over to a military tribunal for his ordering the breakout.