Vitebsk–Orsha offensive

The Vitebsk–Orsha offensive (Russian: Витебско-Оршанская наступательная операция) was part of the Belorussian strategic offensive of the Red Army in summer 1944, commonly known as Operation Bagration. During the offensive, Soviet troops captured Vitebsk and Orsha. A Soviet breakthrough during the offensive helped achieve the encirclement of German troops in the subsequent Minsk offensive.

Vitebsk–Orsha offensive
Part of Operation Bagration
Date23–28 June 1944
Location55.2°N 30.2°E / 55.2; 30.2
Result Soviet victory
Belligerents
 Germany Soviet Union
Commanders and leaders
Georg-Hans Reinhardt (Third Panzer Army)
Kurt von Tippelskirch (Fourth Army)
Ivan Bagramyan (1st Baltic Front)
Ivan Chernyakhovsky (3rd Belorussian Front)
Strength
14 infantry divisions
2 panzer divisions
(exact number of troops unknown)
Unknown
Casualties and losses
41,700 killed
126 tanks and assault guns destroyed
1,840 motor vehicles
17,800 taken prisoner
11,014 killed
318 tanks destroyed
113 aircraft shot down
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