Key Facts
- Dates
- 18–22 February 1920
- Conflict
- Polish-Soviet War
- Polish formation
- 5th Infantry Division
- Soviet formation
- 44th Rifle Division and cavalry units
- Follow-on action
- Second Battle of Latyczów, June–July 1920
Strategic Narrative Overview
Polish forces launched assaults against the entrenched Bolshevik positions but made limited initial progress. General Jędrzejewski committed all available reserves to the effort. After sustained fighting between 18 and 22 February 1920, Polish troops succeeded in capturing the town of Latyczów. The newly secured positions subsequently served as concentration points for the broader Polish and Ukrainian offensive toward Kiev, which commenced in April 1920.
01 / The Origins
Following the close of the Polish-Ukrainian War, the Polish Podolian Front stabilised along the Southern Bug River near the Zbruch. In early 1920, Polish commanders planned a manoeuvre to shorten their defensive lines in the region. This operation brought the Polish 5th Infantry Division under General Władysław Jędrzejewski into contact with Soviet forces, including elements of the 44th Rifle Division and cavalry units commanded by Grigore Kotovski, near the town of Latyczów.
03 / The Outcome
The Polish capture of Letychiv shortened the front line and bolstered the strategic posture ahead of the Kiev offensive. In June and July 1920, the town again became a contested zone in what is termed the Second Battle of Latyczów, during which the Polish Army successfully repelled Soviet forces advancing toward Lviv, preventing a deeper Soviet penetration into Polish-held territory.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Władysław Jędrzejewski.
Side B
1 belligerent
Grigore Kotovski.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.