Studies about logistics operations are rare to find and those that exist lack theoretical depth. The literature does not agree whether planning for a logistics operation or the actual implementation of it is more important, why this study addresses this matter. The aim of this study is to contribute with an explanation of how logistics affected the outcome in Operation Barbarossa and to verify Kress’ theory about Operational logistics. This is done by a case study comparing the Soviet and the German supply and support system during Operation Barbarossa based on principles of logistics that need to be present for the logistic operation to be planned and implemented with success. Even though both nations had a poor supply and support system, the system of the Red army was more applicable to the principles of the theory and the operation ended up being a Soviet victory. This meets the aim of the study to verify the theory. The results indicate that planning and preparing a logistics operation is a prerequisite for a successful implementation that is a prerequisite for success in a military operation. In addition to the existing theory, it is also dependent on the capabilities of the enemy, hence it’s enough to have a logistics system superior to that of the enemy.