It began with an Austrian counter-attack by Alexander von Linsingen south of Kowel, a city located in the Volyn Oblast (province), in north-western Ukraine.

The 500,000 Russian casualties during the offensive, culminating in the battle of Kowel "finished Russia as an active participant in the war"[1] with its consumption of men and resources.

Sir George Buchanan (diplomat) British Ambassador to the Russian Empire, expressed his view about results in the battle: “The losses which Russia has suffered are so colossal that whole country is mourning.

So many lives have been uselessly sacrificed in the recent unsuccessful attacks against Kovel and other places, that the impression is gaining ground that is useless continuing the struggle, and that Russia, unlike Great Britain, has nothing to gain by prolonging the war.” [3] The battle also had a far reaching impact on Austria, as it illustrated the country's reliance on Germany as well as deprived the nation of large numbers of fighting men.

Romania, relying on a Russian success during the conflict, was overrun by Austria-Hungary, Germany and Bulgaria shortly after Russia's defeat.