THE END FOR RUSSIA?

Russian expansionism came to an abrupt halt in the Spring as British forces continue to make advances in the North. A tactical error led to an easy ride for the Royal Navy as they steamed straight into Stokholm without resistance, German soldiers stationed in Denmark looking on. From a strategic point of view, Sweden is now in British hands, but only time will tell whether a full occupation by land forces would be welcomed by the population.

Meanwhile, after some small skirmishes with British patrols, the sole Russian fleet serving to protect the waters of the North entered the North sea. It's commander, comrade Vladimir Sandski, is thought to be under renewed pressure to take territory back from the British, to justify its existance. Certainly to be in control of the North sea should make this a possibility, and it may be thought prudent to make an ambitious stab at a port in Britain itself; striking while the Iron is hot, as it were. The British Home-Gaurd are waiting...

But concerns among the ranks stem mainly from lack of supplies and support available to Russian forces since the loss of Sweden. A succesful move in the South could see Russia in control of Budapet this Fall, if the battle weary soldiers are able to hold back resurgent attempts to regain the territory, and so this would go some way in boosting the supply chain to frontline operations. But this fall also sees Austrian troops on the Polish border ready to move on Warsaw at a moments notice - and there would be nothing the Tzar could do about it.

It would appear that military cut-backs will have to be made, but with the Russian border defence stretched to its limit - were are the shortcomings to be felt?