March 1944

Eastern Front

Following secret negotiations, the Finns reject a proposed armistice. The terms dictated by the Soviets are too harsh to accept. However, Finland continues its surreptitious dialogue with the Soviet Union.

The 5th and 7th Guards Armies push toward Pervomaisk, throwing the 8th Army back. Novy Bug falls to Group Pliev as the flank of the 6th Army is turned.

With the Ukrainian front in tatters, Hitler declares a number of towns to be fortified places. Local commanders are made responsible for their defense but usually have only meager resources with which to carry out their assignments. Hitler mistakenly believes that enough of these fortified places can break up the Russian advance and bring it to a grinding halt.