The fundamental defect of the plan you have submitted for the crossing of the Neva is that the plan provides for a breakthrough sector of 4 kilometers, which is insufficient, since the enemy will be able to rake such a narrow sector with mortar fire from the left and right.

The Stavka instructs you to take a breakthrough sector of not less than 8–10 km, along the entire length of which the enemy's artillery and mortar fire is to be suppressed, and then proceed to the crossing of the river. Revise the plan with this correction. In all other respects the Stavka agrees with the plan.

Stavka of the Supreme Command
I. Stalin
A. Vasilevsky