Brusilov Offensive - The Largest Russian Strike during WW1
The Brusilov Offensive was a major Russian offensive against the Central powers in today’s Ukraine. It is named after Russian general Aleksey Brusilov who was the mastermind behind this successful attack. This offensive relieved the besieged French forces on the Western Front. It is known as the largest Russian operation during WW1 and one of the most lethal offensives in world history. Background In February 1916, Germany besieged the French city of Verdun. It was a difficult time for France and the country requested its allies, Russia and Britain, to open new fronts to disengage Germany from Verdun. Russia initially responded with an offensive at Lake Narocz that failed miserably. After this failed offensive, Russians planned another operation from the north. During preparations for this offensive, General Aleksey Brusilov (commander of the Russian Southwestern Army) presented his plan to invade Austria-Hungary from the southwest, which would assist the main operation from th...