Assigned to the Russian expedition corps (or "Corpo di Spedizione Italiano in Russia" (CSIR)) in the beginning of July 1941, "Pasubio" division has left Verona 10 July 1941 and reached Yampil on Dniester river at 6 August 1941. The first contact with the Soviet army happened 10 August 1941 near town of Voznesensk on Southern Bug river. The Polyana village was reached by 12 August 1941. From 18 September 1941 until 26 September 1941 the "Pasubio" participated in the Battle of Kiev (1941), capturing and holding a bridgehead on the eastern side of Dnieper river. In October 1941, the "Pasubio" division has advanced by route Petrikovka-Dnipropetrovsk-Pavlohgrad-Ulyanivka(Kharkiv Oblast)-Izium. The "Pasubio" played a significant role in the capture of Donetsk(Stalino) in October 1941, earning the praise of the German First Panzer Group's commander, General Ewald von Kleist. 1 November 1941, the "Pasubio" division has attacked Horlivka town and captured it after fierce fighting. Village Nikitovka north of Horlivka fell soon thanks to rapid Italian action. The "Pasubio" division also contributed significantly to the capture of the Shazopetovka and Bulavyns'ke to the east of Horlivka. By that time, the Soviets forces increased to an extent where the "Pasubio" Division has switched to defense.