Telegram to I.V. Tyulenev, January 4, 1943

Source: Tom 18

To the Commander of the Transcaucasian Front, Comrade Tyulenev

The Stavka demands a decisive acceleration of the offensive in the Caucasus direction. The enemy is beginning to withdraw forces from the Caucasus, and if we do not act rapidly, the enemy will manage to evacuate his troops and equipment. The Black Sea Group must immediately cut off the enemy's retreat routes to the Taman Peninsula. Every hour of delay works to the enemy's advantage. I demand daily reports on the progress of the operation.

Stalin