The tank support for such an operation was very weak on the Soviet side, especially compared to the requirements of the doctrine of Deep operations, and the practice later in the war, showing the dearth of resources in the Soviet arsenal at this low point of Soviet fortunes in the war.
The Soviet army's ability to support tanks in deep operations was severely limited, especially compared to the requirements outlined by their own doctrine and later battlefield experience during the war. This weakness reflected a critical shortage of resources within the Soviet military at this time of significant setbacks for the Soviet Union.