Kiev to Rostov via Vassal - GT67

The storms and rain stop and the Axis seize the opportunity to attack.  The Soviets are surprised as the Panzers breakthrough in the north, overun the defenders, creating a pocket that is possible the crisis point of the game.

Aside: it is wonderful when playing solitaire still produces surprises.

The Axis launch many attacks,  The fighting is bloody with both sides loosing roughly equal numbers of troops.

There is now a pocket and the Soviets have a challenge

The counterattack.  If the Soviets can dislodge this Axis unit then they can reopen the pocket.

It was not to be.  The situation in the North remains dire.

In the south the Soviets have reached Mariupol.  Maybe they now wish these forces had been sent to the northern sector?

Melitopol still holds on.  The Axis had taken advantage of the good weather to attack, but it petered out with both sides taking losses they could not replace.  There is however an Axis railhead making its way to this front.