Moving from Feodosia, the Soviet 63rd Mountain Infantry Division established a roadblock by the morning of 31 December and after a brief fight, the 46th took a detour cross country through a narrow 10-kilometer gap between the lead Soviet elements and the Sea of Azov. The 46th avoided encirclement, but suffered moderate equipment losses and light personnel casualties. It established a new defensive line to the east of Islam Terek.
On December 31st, the Soviet 63rd Mountain Infantry Division set up a roadblock near Feodosia. After a short battle, the 46th Regiment took a detour through a narrow 10-kilometer gap between the leading Soviet forces and the Sea of Azov to avoid encirclement. The 46th sustained minor equipment damage and light casualties during this maneuver. They then established a new defensive line east of Islam Terek.