The Petsamo-Kirkenes Operation, the naval component of which received
the codename Operation “West,” saw the Soviet Northern Fleet play a
major role in the liberation of the Russian Artic in late 1944. The capabilities
of the Northern Fleet had been substantially enhanced by Lend-
Lease aid since the summer of 1941 and British and American vessels
provided in lieu of the Soviet share of Italian naval assets. Nonetheless, it
seems that a fear of losing major naval units led to timidity in their use
and only partial fulfillment of the objectives of the operation.