In August 1941, Provalov was sent to Donetsk to form the 383rd Rifle Division. Provalov led the division in the defence of Donetsk but was forced to retreat in October. The division then fought in the Battle of Rostov during November. Provalov was wounded in the fighting. Provalov was promoted to Major general on 27 March 1942. In the summer of 1942, the division defended the approaches to Tuapse during the Battle of the Caucasus. In January 1943, the division fought in the Krasnodar Offensive.