planned soviet attacks encircle , capture kaunas
kėdainiai attacked 2nd riflemen regiment of lithuanian (former pskov) division (about 1,000 men). lithuanian forces panevėžys, commanded jonas variakojis, , kėdainiai numbered 200 men. lithuanians withstood red army advance near kėdainiai , german support repelled it. on february 8, during course of reconnaissance mission, povilas lukšys became first lithuanian soldier die in war. on february 10, joint lithuanian , german forces captured Šėta , forced red army retreat. success of operation lifted lithuanian army s morale , prevented red army encircling kaunas north.
on february 9, soviet 7th riflemen regiment (900 men) took on jieznas, south of kaunas. following day lithuanian forces (300 men) prienai , kaunas attacked before red army consolidate position, betrayed russian commander , suffered defeat: 18 lithuanians killed , 33 taken prisoners. lithuanians retreated, reinforced new lithuanian , saxon volunteers, attacked again, , took jieznas on february 13. soviets continued push kaunas. 3rd , 4th riflemen regiments (about 2,000 men) attacked alytus on february 12. germans did not engage in battle , retreated; not yet formed lithuanian 1st infantry regiment not withstand pressure red army , had retreat towards marijampolė , prienai. antanas juozapavičius, first lithuanian officer die in wars, killed during battle. on night of february 14–15, german forces , 1 company of lithuanians returned alytus , retook city. kaunas defended , front stabilized while. soviets ordered abandon offensive , maintain defensive position. break allowed lithuanians better organize , train volunteers.
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