Russian Empire News and Movements

[Justinian the Mighty]

Russian Ground Forces Enter USSE

 

Anonymous sources inside the Ministry of Defense confirmed that Russian armored divisions entered the northern Caucasus provinces of the former USSE. Witnesses throughout the region reported columns of Russian tanks and other armored clogging up major roads. Based on unconfirmed reports the largest concentrations of ground forces are moving toward Krasnodar and Astrakhan, two major economic centers in the region.

While there remains no official word that a ground operation has started it stands to reason that the military has begun the first phase of an operation to wrest control of the caucuses from Islamic extremists.

It is widely believed that the reason the military’s timetable has been accelerated is because of the deadly attacks on Azov which took the lives of 3 Russian soldiers.

The announcement that ground operations have begun has stirred considerable unrest among non-russians. Some members of the Ukrainian Rada have gone to such extremes as storming out of the local legislature. Vladik Tymoshenko the Leader of the Ukrainian branch of the Communist Party has decried the Russian Fatherland Party’s decision to attack the former USSE and called for the Prime Minister to resign.

In Finland local legislators have taken more drastic action and scheduled a referendum on Finnish independence. The federal government vowed to declare the elections illegal and arrest seditionists if they do not withdraw their threats, but local Finns have not been deterred. Alexander Markov, the Chairman of the Imperial Council of Vostokslavia, the main advisory board to Tsar Mikhail III defended the federal government’s action. “The constituent republics of the Russian Empire and all their parts are one and indivisible. Such separatist agitation will not be tolerated.”

The Finnish Diet will vote on whether or not to endorse the referendum tomorrow.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Finns Vote for Independence

Moscow is incensed over the Finnish independence referendum that took place yesterday where Finnish citizens voted overwhelmingly in favor of seceding from the Russian Empire. The referendum was called without the support of the federal government and in spite of stern warnings from the Kremlin.

The Finnish National Diet has not yet declared Finland independent, but has not said why. Several problems remain in the path toward Finnish independence; primarily lacking the legal basis to dissolve the personal union between Russia and Finland which both share a monarch in Mikhail III.

Despite legal problems Finland has taken numerous steps toward independence which threaten Russia’s position in the region and could strain relations between Moscow and Helsinki; including the formation of a national militia. Additionally Helsinki has called for all Russian troops to leave Finland.

So far Moscow has not responded to the referendum. The Kremlin is likely investigating all its options before making a statement, but it is not probable that Moscow will accept the results as they were not legally sanctioned by the federal government to begin with.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Ukrainian Protests Turn Violent

 

The governor’s mansion in Ukraine was stormed by an unnamed but heavily armed group of insurgents early yesterday morning. The insurgents later released an amateur video that showed several lifeless bodies as they were carried out of the palace and laid haphazardly in the adjacent square. The bodies were identified as Governor Rodchenko, his wife Yulia and several of their support staff.

Protesters were originally demonstrating against the disproportionate number of ethnic Ukrainians sent to fight in the Caucasus, but events inexplicably took a turn for the worse and violence erupted. Armed fighters took control of Kiev’s legislature and have issued a statement declaring Ukraine independent from Russia.

Russian Prime Minister Matviyenko quickly denounced the insurgents and vowed to take revenge against all guilty parties for the attack. Russian military forces in eastern Ukraine have already mobilized heavy equipment and seized control of the Ukrainian media and communications effectively cutting off the insurgents from the outside world.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Is Russia Sacrificing Ukraine for the Caucasus?

Russian troops sacked Sochi in a morning raid that left dozens of insurgents dead and hundreds more fleeing toward Georgia. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense special forces infiltrated the city after dusk on Monday while the city was under heavy artillery bombardment. Russian casualties were reported to be low, but the army has not released the figures yet. The military is now preparing to capture Stavropol. The general staff hopes that the city will provide a launching pad for future operations in the region.

Russian diplomats flew to Tbilisi to secure the local government’s loyalty and assistance in battling Islamic extremism. Russia offered financial aid and military protection to Georgia in return for use of its military installations and infrastructure. Georgian officials seemed receptive to the government’s offer, but have not signed a deal.

Meanwhile unrest in Ukraine is continuing to grow. The city of Lviv and the surrounding region have declared the Ukrainian Nordic Socialist Republic. The west Ukrainian city was a central hub of Nordic Socialist activity since the collapse of the Greater German Reich and despite the government’s promises to uproot the dangerous ideology no concrete effort was made to do so.

While the UNSR has not claimed association or kinship with the neighboring Neu Germania some hardline opponents of NordSoc are drawing that parallel and calling for “swift and decisive action” against the Germanic state. So far the Russian government has issued no response.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Russians Defeated at Stavropol

 

 

Russian troops reportedly suffered a crushing blow in Stavropol overnight after mujahideen fighters denied access to the strategically important city. Both sides suffered high casualties, but Russian troops opted to withdraw rather than incur higher losses. Russian troops tried to capture the city in order to use it as a staging point for further operations in the Caucasus, but high casualties forced the Russian Army to cease its assault.

Defense Ministry officials said the army is changing course now. Military build ups have been recorded in Marscurian Azerbaijan and near Astrakhan which likely fall to Russian forces within the next few days. From there Russian will launch an invasion of Chechnya and Dagestan.

Meanwhile Russian strike fighters have been spotted over Georgian airspace and reportedly engaged targets on the ground yesterday. The Russian government claims the attack hit Chechen insurgents fleeing from Sochi to Abkhazia, but Georgian officials disputed the claim, saying the attack hit a Georgian arms stockpile southeast of Sukhumi. Georgia is rumored to have threatened to expel the Russian delegation over the attack, but no official word has been released.

Threats of another war against Georgia have further strained relations on the homefront after local legislatures of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia declared their intent to hold their own separate independence referendums. The Federal government has increased troop presence in the Baltic states as a precaution and a warning against separatist activity and instituted martial law throughout the region.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Moscow and Tbilisi Trade Barbs

 

Georgia's interim government released a statement condemning the Russian attack on an arms depot near Sukhumi. Recent news has come to light that the attack may have killed as many as three Georgian soldiers an act that Georgian President Gabashvili called a, "unprovoked and intentional  act of war." Russia's Defense Ministry denied the Georgian claims and derided the Georgian government for attempting to shame Russia internationally. Russia claims the attack killed insurgents fleeting the battle of Sochi who were seeking asylum in Georgia. Russia's government maintained the attack was justified based in order to protect Russian interests in the near-abroad.

 

Russia has responded by increasing troop patrols near the border. over 50,000 soldiers are estimated to be involved in the conflict zone already and an additional 10,000 are planning to be shipped in over the next few days.

 

Georgian officials have repeatedly threatened to expel Russia's diplomatic delegation over the incident prompting threats from Moscow. Deputy Prime Minister Felix Matviyenko, who began the war in the former USSE during his term as prime minister, threatened that Russia would be justified in attacking Georgia if it did not cooperate and aid Russia against radical Islamic militants in the Caucasus region. "If they [Georgia] block our efforts then they are supporting international terrorists. We will not allow rogue states to sponsor terrorism in our borders."

 

The declaration has forced some political allies to distance themselves from Matviyenko putting his position in the government and within the party at risk. If the deputy prime minister fails to gain enough support he may lose the election for party leader next month and block him from future elections.

 

Matviyenko's words have made problems worse at home as well. In his native Ukraine where separatists have seized control of the capital and killed the regional governor dissent is growing. Security forces in Kiev were attacked and at least one protester was killed after violence erupted late last month. The presence of military hardware and federal troops have done little to stem the violence. Radical members of Ukraine's legislature, the Rada, have gathered to discuss secession from Russia and division from the Ukrainian Nordic Socialist Republic centered around Lviv, which claims sovereignty over all Ukraine.

[Imperator Azenquor]

Private Message to Russian Fed. Gov.

 

To: H.E. Rinald Kanic, Prime Minister of the Greater Russian Empire

CC: H.E. Felix Matviyenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Greater Russian Empire

Fr: Pavel Rokossovsky, Prime Minister of the S.R.V.

 

Re: Developing situation in the West

 

Your excellency,

 

Firstly I would like to convey the continuing unconditional support of the government and people of the Serene Republic of Vaule for the maintenance of Russia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and our clear condemnation of the terroristic and barbaric act which saw the deaths of three Russian servicemen in Azov. We watch the developments in Finland and Ukraine with sincere concern. As a constituent state of Russia, we are prepared to shoulder our responsibilities in fighting against those forces seeking to divide the Fatherland.

 

Secondly, I would like to reiterate that my government is ready and willing to deploy troops to aid in the federal government’s military operation. Should the deployment of Vaulian troops aid in the military objectives of the Federal government then we are prepared to coordinate the deployment of said troops with the Defense Ministry and the Deputy Prime Minister’s office.

 

God save the Tsar!

Edited November 7, 2014 by Imperator Azenquor

[Justinian the Mighty]

Russia Turns Up Heat On Protestors

 

Dozens of Ukrainian legislators and protesters were killed after Russian rockets bombarded the Ukrainian Rada and the surrounding square for several hours. The heavy handed attack was the first time since protests began that Russian security forces openly attacked protesters in Ukraine without provocation. Russia’s attack marks a shift away from the government’s prior handling of the situation which has failed to yield results.

Moscow is looking to reel in protesters and bring western Ukraine back into the fold as relations with Georgia deteriorate over the war in the Caucasus. Georgia is threatening to expel Russia’s diplomatic delegation citing Russia’s air force incursions into Georgian airspace. Georgia claimed an attack on extremists back in October actually killed Georgian soldiers stationed in Abkhazia, which Moscow fervently denies.

The Federal government also aims to show strength to other secessionist movements in the Baltic states and Finland. It appears the gamble is paying off as Finland, which held a referendum on independence, has not taken any steps toward seceding from Russia.

“I cannot say much, but I will say Kiev will be returned to Russia soon,” said a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense. He asked to remain anonymous, because he was not authorized to speak on the situation. The Defense Ministry refused to offer further comment.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Georgia Expels Russian Diplomats

 

 

Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced that air strikes against islamic extremists hiding in Georgia will be increased starting today despite warnings from Georgia’s interim President not to do so. Georgia responded by expelling Russia’s entire diplomatic mission and withdrawing their own from Moscow, cutting all ties between Tbilisi and Moscow.

Moscow says the number of militant attacks stemming from Georgia has increased in the last few weeks in response to Russia’s military buildup in preparation to invade Chechnya, the center of militant activity against Russia. For months Moscow has been courting Georgia with trade incentives and foreign aid hoping to gain military support against Chechnya, but talks broke down when georgian soldiers were allegedly killed by Russian missiles. Russia has since gone on to accuse Georgia of stalling talks and recently has gone as far as implying that Georgia is supplying the militants with aid.

“Until now our way of dealing with radical militants has been tame, but we must take a stronger stance now that they have foreign support,” an anonymous Defense Ministry official told news sources. “With winter setting in we want to ensure they don’t dig in and find shelter.”

The source refused to offer any further comment when asked about how Russia would handle Georgia.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Ukrainian Separatists Occupy Odessa

 

Russian forces were forced to withdraw from Odessa after Ukrainian separatists overwhelmed the local garrison. This is just the latest attack on Russian forces in Ukraine in what the Defense Ministry is now calling an armed rebellion. Since last fall the military has been engaged on several fronts against rebels who seek to separate themselves from the Russian state.

 

This is just the latest in a wave of dissent sweeping across western Russia which has seen months of violence and bloodshed since early last fall. Russian security forces are held up in Finland, Estonia, Livonia and Courland where the local legislatures have voted to succeed from Russia, but have not made their independence official. The Russian government does not recognize the independence votes in these provinces.

 

Russia’s woes are exacerbated by international conflicts with the former USSE’s caucasian territories. Russia’s military has been active throughout Chechnya and Georgia since early december after Russian officials revealed the two countries are colluding to commit acts of terrorism on Russian soil. Fears are growing that ground forces are being staged to invade Georgia thus opening another front in the war

 

Georgia’s interim government is appealing to the international community today in hopes of preventing a Russian invasion. However since Georgia has no recognized government and is not a member of the United Nations its pleas are mostly being ignored. Russian officials say Georgia only has to turn over terrorist leaders in order to avoid an incident.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Ground Forces Roll Into Georgia

 

 

Russia sent ground troops and tanks into Georgia on Thursday after months of tension following a break in formal diplomatic relations due to Russian airstrikes that left both Moscow and Tbilisi at odds. It comes as less than a surprise since Russia has been threatening to send its troops into Georgia for weeks. Russia claims Georgia supports Chechen terrorists and is harboring warlords in its territory, a claim Georgia disputes.

 

The head of Georgia’s interim legislature said, “Russia’s nationalistic ruling party is chasing shadows of the past, trying to rebuild an empire long gone and using lies to justify its actions.”

 

Georgians are retreating en masse hoping to cross the border into Armenia or Athens. Russia’s Defense Minister promises a swift and decisive victory against Georgia’s underfunded and untrained army and a quick return to normalcy for Georgian citizens.

 

“It is regretful that Georgia’s government refuses to turn over armed terrorists,” Felix Matviyenko, deputy leader of the Russian Fatherland told reporters outside his party’s headquarters. “Georgia continues to support threats to our national security so we must respond, but the local people must not suffer.”

 

Early reports said Russian mortars were fired near Gudauri, suggesting Russian force are making a run for Tbilisi. Rumors of Russia’s military objectives remain unconfirmed. So far neither side has reported any casualties.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Russia Occupies the Trans-Caucasus Canal

 

In it’s latest bid to erase past injustices Russia lowered international flags along the Trans-Caucasus Canal today and disposed of them on a giant funeral pyre. For over a decade Russia has perceived the canal and the international agreement that governs its use as an attempt to subvert national sovereignty. The canal project was originally envisioned by the Greater Nordlandic and its allies shortly after the Russo-Nordlandic War.

 

Russia has been trying to recover lost territory since the Nordlandic coalition invaded more than a decade ago. A government spokesman told reporters that the government has had it’s feelers out for some time trying to gauge what the international reaction would be.

 

“We are certain other nations will not object. Tianxia’s seaports no longer reach the Caspian and Azadistan is free to negotiate new terms with us.” Russia’s Transportation Minister said in a press release. The timing of the occupation comes when Russia is engaged in multiple conflicts against Georgian supported terrorists and nationalist independence movements in the west and with an election looming the Fatherland Party hopes to gather support with bold moves like this.

 

“We will reclaim our place in the world” said Fatherland Party Leader Felix Matviyenko to a crowd of supporters. “Past injustices will be swept away and those responsible will pay.” The Fatherland Party has lost face with voters after months of fighting in Ukraine and the Caucasus with no apparent end in sight. Russian troops were most recently sent in to Georgia to hunt down and destroy terror cells and punish the Georgian government for harboring those cells. Nearly half of Russia’s armed forces are operating in combat theatre in the aftermath of Tianxia and Athens, who traditionally maintain peace throughout Afro-Eurasia, have withdrawn their forces. The army’s troop commitment is unprecedented in this relatively peaceful time.

 

United Russia has plans to take advantage of the war in hopes of winning the election. UR Leader Yekaterina Zhirova announced today that Russia should support the nationalist movements in non-russian provinces and foster trust and cooperation with newly emerging powers like Japan and Arabia, but how she plans to do this remains unseen.

Edited March 14, 2015 by Justinian the Mighty

[Justinian the Mighty]

Troops Leave Georgia; Seize East.

 

The Ministry of Defense announced victory today when Georgia’s interim government surrendered after nearly two months of intense fighting. Russian forces finished their withdrawal from Tbilisi early this morning after capturing Georgia’s interim President and his senior government ministers.

 

Though Russia has ceased combat operations in the Caucasus region the threat of domestic terrorism and rebellion still threatens to destabilize local regions. Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia remain blockaded and under the rule of local warlords. The situation in western Ukraine and Finland are still unresolved, but the military is hesitant to send in ground forces. The government has decided to strengthen local police authorities and grant emergency powers to Ukraine’s Governor and Finland’s Prime Minister.

 

Russia now hopes to turn its focus to to Pacific Region where Japanese aggression threatens to destabilize the world’s largest economic region. Until recently government officials have been tight lipped over Japan’s invasion of North America, but recent negotiations have driven a wedge between Russia and Japan. To this end Russia has shifted 28,000 ground troops to claim Khabarovsk Primorsky to prevent them from falling to Japanese imperialism. It is unclear whether or not Russia informed Tianxia.

 

“The fact of the matter is the Japanese wield considerable power and aren’t afraid to use it,” A Defense Ministry spokesman told reporters at a press event yesterday. “We cannot allow ourselves to become the next American Commonwealth.”

 

A source within the Navy Ministry alleged that Russian military officials are considering purchasing ships and technology from Tianxia, but that Japan is desperately trying to kill the deal which would only drive the wedge deeper. The source also confirmed that Russia will test fire medium range ballistic missiles over the Sea of Okhotsk but stressed that the two events were not related.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Classified from the Ministry of Defense

 

Heightened security concerns over Japan's aggressive and two-faced behavior have alarmed Moscow. Transfer of Russian troops and equipment to Nakhoda is authorized; A mechanized infantry division, 2 squadrons of MiG-35 multi-role fighters, and an expeditionary force of 4destroyers, 2 cruisers and and unknown number of attack submarines from the Black Sea fleet are enroute. Additionally the General Staff has approved the appropriation of land near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky for the construction of underground submarine pens.

 

-Slava Rossii!

 

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Confidential

 

To the Government of H.I.M. Mikhail III, Tsar and Autocrat of All the Russias,

 

Given the rising tensions between our countries over the last few weeks, in the interest of securing peace and stability for the future, we would like to request talks between our states to adress points of contention and prevent further deterioration in relations. To this end, we would either invite a Russian representative to Tokyo, or we shall send a Japanese representative to Sankt Petersburg, whichever the Tsar's government prefers. It is our hope that a lasting arrangement can be found.

 

With regards,

Akiyama Kagami, Prime Minister of Japan

[Justinian the Mighty]

Reply from the desk of the Foreign Minister,

 

His Majesty is tasking me with this duty and I consider it a tremendous opportunity. I think it is only proper that I travel to Tokyo as soon as possible. It is my sincere hope that by traveling to Tokyo we can begin to normalize relations and put this messy business behind us.

 

Best,

Dmitriy Matveyev, Foreign Minister.

 

[Imperator Azenquor]

In response to the Ministry of Defense notification, the Serene Republic placed all forces in North Sakhalin and Kamchatka on heightened alert and stepped up coordination with the Russian Federal Border Guards to ensure the security of the Russo-Japanese land border in Sakhalin.

 

The Vaulian Army would begin to transfer additional supplies to Khabarovsk Krai as a precautionary measure. In addition, two paratrooper divisions and two squadrons of F-22s in Khabarovsk Krai would be put on standby to cross into Primorsky Krai to support the Russian troops already in Nakhodka if necessary. Vaulian naval forces in North Sakhalin, Kamchatka (B.S.N.) and the Vancouver Territory would also be placed on alert.

 

***Classified message to the Russian Defense Ministry***

 

Land in Marscurian-leased Kamchatka Oblast near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky has been acquired and set aside for the construction of underground submarine pens as requested. The additional construction has been added to the ongoing repair work in the oblast and has been assigned the highest priority.

 

Additional military supplies have been positioned in Khabarovsk Krai to support operations in Nakhodka as needed. Two paratrooper divisions are on standby awaiting further instructions.

 

***Classified***

Vaulian construction teams working to repair the facilities in Kamchatka oblast would divert a significant portion of their efforts to the construction of the underground submarine pens and would begin acquiring the necessary additional construction materials.

Edited April 12, 2015 by Imperator Azenquor

[KaiserMelech Mikhail]

Message to the Ministry of Defense:

 

The Pasirung Military District is beginning a partial mobilization in coordination with the rest of the nation.  Soldiers have been recalled to their bases, and border guards are on high alert for not only foreign-sponsored barbarian attacks, but also the encroachment of spies and saboteurs.  Air force pilots have been recalled to their bases, ready to scramble at a moment's notice.  The destroyers and cruisers of the Pacific Fleet, currently in the Black Sea supporting anti-terror operations in Ukraine, will follow ships of the Black Sea Fleet back to the Pacific.  The corvettes and frigates of the fleet are put on high alert, with preparations beginning to send the ships to sea when the time calls for it.  

 

Slava Rossii

Geroyam Slava

Bozhe, Tsarya Khrani

 

Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov

[Justinian the Mighty]

Public

 

Russian Foreign Intelligence is trying to confirm rumors that the Athenian Federation has collapsed. Until further notice Russian troops in the western districts are to prepare for an AlertCon 3 readiness. If Athens truly has collapsed Russia will have to take responsibility for the safety of Slavic Europe if not all Europe. In addition we will respond with appropriate levels of diplomatic pressure to prevent incursions into Athenian territory.

 

Classified

 

10,000 troops and relevant equipment have been transferred to Ukraine and Belarus in order to increase border security.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Excerpt from Rodina! the official propaganda vehicle of the Russian Fatherland Party.

 

...Almost a decade after the Russo-Nordic war Russians can once again be proud of their country thanks to the wise leadership of the Russian Fatherland Party. Our mighty country is flexing its muscles and reasserting itself in the wake of the Athenian Federation's collapse. Though the Federation was Russia's ally many in the RFP considered it a European rival responsible for Russia's weak position in European politics. Today that changes as 50,000 Russian troops and several armored divisions reclaimed lost territory in the Caucuses after storming the borders of Georgia and Armenia. With almost no resistance encountered our forces are expected to reach Tbilisi and Yerevan by the end of the week.

 

The Black Sea Fleet has been called to project Russia's power into the Mediterranean Sea and to ensure that Russia has access to international waters. Several warships were sent to Constantinople and the Dardanelles to secure the waterways and allow Russian traffic to pass unhindered. Additional ships were sent Gibraltar and the Suez Canal as well. Thanks to the quick thinking of the Prime Minister our great nation now has a controlling interest in the Mediterranean...

[Triyun]

Tianxian forces in Suez and Jerusalem began moving to secure the southern gateway in the Indian Ocean as forces took secure positions to hold that Canal and access.  Second groups basing of nearby territory moved to Gibralter and the Moroccan Coast as they watched the Russian Bear wake.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Russian forces have seized several bases in Spain and Morocco Maoron de la Frontera air base and Rota naval base in Spain as well as the Al Hoceima and Ksar es-Seghir naval bases in Morocco. These 4 bases will serve the Russian Atlantic and Mediterranean Fleets which will be transferred from Edisto Beach in South Carolina.