THE RUSSIAN THRUST.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 1916, Page 4

THE RUSSIAN THRUST.

The key of the position, so far as concerns the- fighting in Russia, is Kovel, and a glance at the map makes it easy 1o understand the desperation of the Germans to hold it at all cost. We read that the enemy is launching counter-at-tacks without cessation, pouring in fresh divisions only to be mown down by the Russian cannonade. The Russians are confident of their 'ability to take the position, and seem to have tuc artillery to beat down the opposition. The Russians are simultaneously attacking Stanislau and advancing on Lemberg, which must have the effect of wiueczing the Austrian forces under General von Botbmer. North of Kovel the Ocimans are engaged in a flank turning movement, but the Russians are confident of their ability to deal effectually V'itli it. Here the country is marshy and the roads scarce, which prevent the deployment of any considerable force of the enemy. The most encouraging piece of news is that the Russians have advanced ten miles towards Kovel sin.'.e they crossed the Stokhod hend. This means they are within twelve to fifteen miles of the coveted point. Kovel secured, the Germans will have to withdraw from the Dvina to the Niemen so a 5 to avoid being taken in the rear ay the Russian armies. This means the enemy would automatically surrender half the Russian territory he is holding, it would mean cutting off the Austrians to the south, and possibly the smashing of the Austrians remaining in Galicia, and prepare the way for an invasion of Hungary. It would deal a blow at German pride from which the enemy could hardly recover. Kovel means everything for the Russians, as with its possession they will be in n position to attack thf German flank and rear from the Pripet marshes, which protect the Russians' northern flank, to the Dvina. The Russians whilst making their thrusts at vovel and the southern positions, are attacking and holding up the enemy from Riga in the north to Smorgon in the south. They are also advancing on Baronovitchi, and pressing the enemy so hard that the German Chancellor ad-

mits it "is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the present line." The pressure is general on all sides, and tin enemy, it is certain, will be given no respite until his Sines are broken and victory for the Allies thereby ensured.