Jassy–Kishinev Offensive(1944)
Background
Romania was secretly negotiating with the Allies in Cairo while the front crumbled. King Michael and the National Democratic Bloc were planning Antonescu's removal. The Soviet offensive coincided with Romanian political instability.
Campaign: Jassy-Kishinev Offensive 1944
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Massive Soviet offensive shattered Axis defenses in Moldavia, triggering King Michael's Coup.
The Jassy–Kishinev offensive, named after the two major cities, Jassy and Kishinev, in the staging area, was a Soviet offensive against Axis forces, which took place in Eastern Romania from 20 to 29 August 1944 during World War II. The 2nd and 3rd Ukrainian Fronts of the Red Army engaged Army Group South Ukraine, which consisted of combined German and Romanian formations, in an operation to reoccupy Bessarabia and destroy the Axis forces in the region, opening the way into Romania and the Balkans. The offensive resulted in the encirclement and destruction of the German forces, allowing the Soviet Army to resume its strategic advance further into Eastern Europe.
“"The Romanian units simply evaporated. We found ourselves fighting not only the Russians but also our former allies who were now blocking our retreat." — General Johannes Frießner, Commander, Army Group South Ukraine
Casualties & Outcome
13,197 killed or missing, 53,933 wounded (Soviet); ~200,000 killed or captured (German); ~150,000 captured or disarmed (Romanian)
Soviet Union achieved victory over Germany & Romania.
right|Romanian and Soviet soldiers shaking hands in Bucharest after the coup, 30 August The German formations suffered significant irrecoverable losses, with over 115,000 prisoners taken, while Soviet casualties were unusually low for an operation of this size. The Red Army advanced into Yugoslavia and forced the rapid withdrawal of the German Army Groups E and F from Greece, Albania, and Yugoslavia to avoid being cut off. Together with Yugoslav Partisans and Bulgaria, they liberated the capital city of Belgrade on 20 October. On the political level, the Soviet offensive triggered King Michael's coup d'état in Romania, and the switch of Romania from the Axis to the Allies. Almost immediately, border hostilities between Romania and Germany's ally Hungary erupted over territory that Romania had been forced to cede to Hungary in 1940 as a result of the Second Vienna Award.
Significance & Legacy
Turned Romania from Axis to Allied side. One of WWII's most decisive operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Jassy–Kishinev Offensive?
- The Jassy–Kishinev Offensive took place in 1944. Aug 20–29, 1944.
- Who won the Jassy–Kishinev Offensive?
- The Soviet Union were victorious against the Germany & Romania.
- What was the significance of the Jassy–Kishinev Offensive?
- Turned Romania from Axis to Allied side. One of WWII's most decisive operations.