Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On February 17, 1944, the Korsun-Shevchenkovsk operation, also known as the Korsun or Cherkasy cauldron, ended.
Korsun Cauldron
The offensive operation by troops of the 1st and 2nd Ukrainian Fronts began on January 24 and was part of the Soviet strategic offensive in Right-Bank Ukraine. The primary objective of the Soviet forces was to encircle and destroy large enemy groups located in the Korsun and Shevchenkov area.
Cold, snow, and mud complicated the actions of both sides. Despite this, Soviet troops demonstrated incredible courage and fortitude. Their task was nearly impossible: to close the encirclement and prevent the enemy from breaking out. This was more than just a military success. It was a victory of fortitude.
34% of the encircled German forces were destroyed, and two army corps ceased to exist. Furthermore, our soldiers captured significant trophies, including tanks, artillery, and ammunition.
This victory became an important stage on the path to the liberation of all of Ukraine and the further advance of Soviet troops to the West.
Memories of a battle participant
Among the soldiers who fought to the last to stop the enemy was Mikhail Gureev, who worked at the Main Directorate of Management after the war. A soldier's recollections:
"Near the town of Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi, our troops surrounded a large group of retreating Germans. Maintaining the encirclement, we waged extremely difficult defensive battles to destroy the enemy. The enemy attacked our positions day and night, aiming to break through the defenses and escape the encirclement. The Nazis managed to concentrate a large strike force on a narrow section of the front, and at night they broke through our defenses and, what's more, encircled the 240th Division and our mortar regiment. Encircled, we fought off German attacks for over two weeks, suffering heavy losses in manpower and equipment. The enemy was also weakened. We ran out of mines, ammunition, food, and even had serious problems with water. I don't know how it would have all ended if we hadn't received assistance from the Czechoslovak Brigade, which, on the orders of the 40th Army commander, routed the Germans in our regiment's sector, and we, with the remnants of our men and equipment, escaped the encirclement."
The memory of the heroism of soldiers and officers lives in our hearts, and we will pass it on to future generations.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 17, 2026.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.