Preparation of the German defense
The order to build a complex of fortified settlements in the Dnieper, known as the "Eastern Wall", was given to the German rate of 11 August 1943 and was executed immediately.
The fortifications were built along the banks of the Dnieper, but hopes to provide a reliable and massive defense in such a short period were small. As a consequence, "east wall" was not equally strong throughout the front. The most serious capacity was concentrated in areas most likely crossing the Soviet forces: the Kremenchug and Nikopol, as well as in Kiev.
In addition to defensive measures, 7 September 1943 the SS and the Wehrmacht were ordered to completely empty the territory, which was forced to retreat in order to slow the advance of the Red Army and try to complicate the supply of its compounds.