Russians On Central Front

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 25, 30 January 1943, Page 7

Russians On Central Front

LONDON, January 29. The Russians are still pushing forward on all the main fighting fronts. In particular, Moscow reports an important development on the Voronezh front. In the Caucasus, the Russians have made more progress in the Maikop oilfields district. Renter's correspondent in Moscow says that south-east of Leningrad heavy and bitter fighting has.been raging without interruption for ten days since the German siege of the city was broken. . ', „' " >, l

The Red Army has broadened the drive which threatens the vital enemy railway links between Kursk and Kharkov. Two wings of the Russian offensive north and south of Voronezh have now made contact and are sweeping forward on a line stretching 100 miles on both sides of the city. The importance of the recent, Russian capture of Krastornoye, in this area,, recently announced, is stressed by the "News' Chronicle" correspondent, who points out that the town is more than a third of the way westwards from Voronezh to Kursk. "j The fall of this town not only brings the Russians nearer to Kursk, but it; strengthens the Russian grip on the j lateral railway running down to Valuiki. The Germans had left a strong garrison to cover their retreat and stem the Russian break-through, and their fortifications were impressive, i When the Russians had encircled the town and entered the suburbs they

The last few of the /Axis troops left of the German army before Stalingrad are still- under the Russian guns. General Deitmar, the German military spokesman, has admitted they are fighting without hope of relief. The "News Chronicle" reporter says the Germans are no longer exerting any appreciable military influence^ Their importance is a thing of the. past, as they have ceased to be of any use in keeping first-line Russian troops and materials in this area. . . : (Rec. 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, Jan. 29. The latest Soviet communique reports the, continuation of offensive operations on the south-western fronts —the North Caucasus,. Voronezh, Volkhov, and Leningrad. It adds. ,that Russian troops have advanced in the Don area arid continued to mop up isolated enemy groups, some of whom are laying down' their arms and surrendering. , On the Voronezh front Russian tanks and cavalry have killed 3000 of the encircled enemy and captured 6000, including three generals. In the. North Caucasus Russian mobile \mits in one sector penetrated the enemy's rear and cut.off a large lorry column. Fighting is. now proceeding for the annihilation of ithe column.— 8.0. W.