Brusilov Offensive By Luca Skødt Gago 1916 The Russians initiated the Lake Naroch offensive in the Vilnius area Apr 14, 1916 General Brusilov replaces General Ivanov on 14-Apr-1916 by order of the Czar Nicholas II. May 26, 1916 The tsar issues orders for accelerating the start of the Russian summer offensive Jun 4, 1916 The Brusilov Offensive begins Period: Jun 5, 1916 to Sep 20, 1916 Russia takes back land previously stolen by the Central Powers Sep 20, 1916 End of the Brusilov offensive