At the start of the Second World War in June 1941, he became head of the Leningrad Military District until September when he became commander of the 8th Army. He fought against the German Army in Leningrad Strategic Defensive Operation, in the area of the cities of Kingisepp, Luga, Pushkin and Kolpino. In heavy defensive battles, the enemy was stopped near the cities of Oranienbaum and Kolpino, creating the very important Oranienbaum Bridgehead. On 28 November 1941, he was relieved of command after a failed counteroffensive.&lt;br&gt;