When no reply was forthcoming , he ordered the retreat on his own authority .
Moskalenko , the Army 's commander , sent urgent messages to the STAVKA requesting permission to withdraw well east of the Aidar River to prevent his forces being entirely cut off .
When no reply was forthcoming , Moskalenko ordered the retreat on Moskalenko 's own authority .
Moskalenko , the Army 's commander , sent urgent messages to the STAVKA requesting permission to withdraw well east of the Aidar River to prevent his forces being entirely cut off .