The Red Army executed a new pincer movement in difficult winter conditions.

From the south, the troops of the Voronezh Front under command of General Golikov attacked, in collaboration with the left flank of the Bryansk Front under General Max Reyter, which attacked from the north.

[1] The Germans, attacked on both flanks, were forced into a retreat in the middle of the Russian winter.

Their losses were considerable and the 2nd German Army only narrowly escaped destruction, leaving a big gap in the Axis frontline.

It opened for the Soviets the way to Kursk, which would be liberated during Operation Star, and also threatened the important bastion of Orel.