The Moscow Times

[JEDCJT]

Pro-Muscovite protests held in Donetsk and Luhansk

 

DONETSK - Crowds assembled in front of the Regional Administration and City Hall buildings in downtown Donetsk, voicing their desire to "join the Tsardom of Muscovy as full-fledged citizens," even going as far as to organize unofficial polls on a localized basis. Among the reasons given by activist leaders were the "persecution of the Russian-majority population by the former Soviet government of the Ukraine, and systematic denial of their inalienable rights." The military governor, Arkady Vlasov, stated that the people's sentiments would be given official consideration, but only once a civilian government was established. "Given that martial law is currently in effect, and that civilian governance is in the process of being constituted," Vlasov said in a press statement in front of the City Hall building, "I would suggest that this initiative be deferred to a time when civilian governance is restored."
 
Similar events took place in neighboring Luhansk, where an activist group, the Organization for the Accession of Luhansk (ORAL-SK), was formed to agitate for the "accession of Luhansk to the Tsardom of Muscovy." A gathering of pro-Muscovite inhabitants took place in front of Luhansk's city hall building, where they loudly demanded that "they be allowed to organize a referendum in order to determine their region's future," an implicit statement of intent to join Muscovy. Like their counterparts in Donetsk, the persecution at the hands of the former Soviet regime in Kiev was the major rationale behind their desire to join the Tsardom. However, when military governor Aley Oleganbov tried to defer the issue, the crowd grew restive and auxiliary police had to be mobilized to the scene to maintain public order. The leader of ORAL-SK, Valery Bolotov, stated that his organization would organize a referendum, whether or not Oleganbov liked it, and warned that if Oleganbov did not "listen to the people's desire," ORAL-SK would be forced to take "matters into its hands with the support of the population."
 
(OOC: 3 of 7 posts regarding the Ukraine)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

CLASSIFIED

 

With Putingrad fully integrated into the Tsardom, the Defense Ministry authorized the expansion of the national defense project into the Muscovite exclave. Existing airbases, hangars, airfields, and other military bases were to be inspected and evaluated by military engineers and experts to determine their suitability, while new strategic locations were evaluated for the possible construction of new underground and onground bases. Alongside the Putingrad coast, Army engineers and construction workers would begin work on an intricate underground tunnel system of machine-gun and anti-tank gun nests. 

 

Likewise, fixed and mobile aerial defense systems (including but not limited to TEL launchers) would be placed in strategic positions, with artillery emplacements and anti-personnel mortars placed alongside the coast as well. Existing 40mm guns would be inspected and upgraded whenever possible, while obsolete ones would be replaced by ones from the mainland. The city of Putingrad would be arrayed by such defense systems in high quantities. Construction of new RADAR installations would commence, and existing ones upgraded to higher standards. Construction of a SOSUS system off the Putingrad coast would begin as well, with sonar arrays, RADAR transmitters, and sonar platforms to be established on the seafloor. Naval thermite mines, to be connected by cables and junction boxes, would be established in place in the hundreds as well.

 

Speaking of mines, Army engineers would begin affixing hundreds of remote-controlled thermite mines alongside Putingrad's land and coastal borders. Construction of control stations would begin as well, with one established every fifty miles. A myriad of missiles of all types would begin production for storage in such stations once construction was complete.

 

(OOC: 6 of 7 posts regarding Kaliningrad/Putingrad)

[JEDCJT]

Protectorate established in the Ukraine

 

KIEV - By decree issued by the Tsar, the Protectorate of the Ukraine was proclaimed in Kiev today. To facilitate smooth and efficient administration, the Ukraine would further be divided into two sub-regions: the Protectorate of the Kievan Rus and the Protectorate of the Southlands. The regions of Donetsk and Luhansk will not be included in either protectorates or the general Ukrainian protectorate, and will be administrated independently. Billionaire Peter Poroshenko was appointed Chief Protector of the Protectorate of the Ukraine, while Oleksandr Turchynov was appointed Protector-General of the Kievan Rus and Yulia Tymoshenko for the Southlands.
 

The Kievan Rus (red), the Southlands (green), and Donetsk and Luhansk (gray).

 
As with the former Protectorate of Livonia in what is now Ubersteinia, the protectorates will be tasked with maintaining public order and preparing the regions for eventual independence or other options as determined by the local populace. A protectorate legislature will be convened in Kiev, in which its members would serve a two-year term, and will serve as ultimate authority over the Protectorate and its sub-regions, subject to the authority of the Tsar and the Fundamental Laws. Kiev would serve as the administrative center of the Kievan Rus, as well the capital of the general protectorate, and Dnepropetrovsk would be the administrative center of the Southlands.

 

(OOC: 4 of 7 posts regarding the Ukraine)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Highway system to undergo expansion

 

 
MOSCOW - Parliament voted to pass the Highway Infrastructure Expansion Act. The Act authorizes ten billion rubles for the purposes of "renovating, modifying, and expanding" the national highway system crisscrossing Muscovy. This includes, but are not limited to, all "highways of central importance" (in other words, federal highways). 

 
The scope of the Act covers all highways that connect Moscow with the capitals and administrative centers of neighboring Governorates and other administrative divisions, identified by the "M" prefix in national route signs; highways that are part of international road networks, identified by the "E" and "AH" prefixes in additional to the "M" prefix; some highways that connect the administrative centers of Governorates and other administrative divisions with each other, identified by the "P" prefix; highways which branch and bridge roads, identified by the "A" prefix"; and access roads that connect administrative centers, major transportation nodes, and other federal highways. All "M" highways, and certain "E" and "AH" ones, will be expanded to 5 to 7 lanes, "A" and "P" highways to 3 to 4 lanes, and access roads to 1 to 2 lanes.
 
To oversee the expansion project, the National Highway Commission would be established under the aegis of the Ministry of Transportation. The Commission will be responsible for coordinating and supervising efforts among the Governorates and other administrative divisions in the expansion of the highways that run through their respective territories.

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Prime Minister Putin to visit namesake city

 

PUTINGRAD - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin plans to visit his namesake city next week. The official purpose of this visit is to meet with city officials, including Governor-General Alexander Yaroshuk, to discuss the construction of a proposed commerce district similar to Moscow's International Business Center. He also will meet with military and security experts to assess the region's geopolitical position in central Europe.

However, several analysts suspect that the true purpose of Putin's visit is to revel in the fact that the city is named after him, and to reach out to its inhabitants. "The decision by Tsar Mikhail Ivanovich Romanov to rename Kaliningrad after Putin deeply touched the Prime Minister's heart, and he simply wants to enjoy the novelty of visiting a city named after him," analyst Aleksandr Rutin told the Moscow Times. Ivan Abayev, head of the His Imperial Majesty's Chancery, disagreed: "Minister Putin's trip to Putingrad is not an ego-trip. It is a important visit that aims to address several issues relating to development and security," he said in a press statement in Moscow.

Prime Minister Putin is currently at a policy meeting in Saint Petersburg, and will fly out to Putingrad once it concludes. Formerly known as Konigsberg and Kaliningrad, Putingrad is a major port on the Baltic, and serves as a major node of trade and commerce between Muscovy, Alvonia, Poland, Sverige, and Ubersteinia.

(OOC: 7 of 7 posts)

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Special economic zone established in city of Nizhny Novgorod

 

NIZHNY NOVGOROD - The Muscovite parliament passed a law designating the city of Nizhniy Novgorod a "special economic zone" (SEZ). The purpose of this law is to encourage foreign investment in the city and its namesake province, and facilitate increased economic growth in the long run. Moreover, Nizhny officials will have greater discretion in engaging in international trade, and will have increased authority over economic planning and administration. This includes, but are not limited to, investment, trading, quotas, customs and labor regulations.

Viceroy Oleg Sorokin praised the decision, stating that it would be greatly beneficial to both the city and its foreign investors in the long term. "We have long enjoyed economic growth for a long time, and under this new arrangement, we will be able to enjoy it even more than before," he said in a public speech in Nizhny Novgorod's city square.

The government in Moscow is considering passing similar legislation for a number of cities, which include Putingrad, Kronstadt, Novorossiysk, Murmansk, and Rostov, as a means of encouraging economic growth through increased trade, investment, job creation, and efficient administration.

(OOC: 6 of 7 posts)

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Local referendum to proceed midst protests

 

DONETSK - Under increasing pressure from pro-Russian activists still clamoring in front of the City Hall building, and now from the His Imperial Majesty's Chancery, military governor Arkady Vlasov relented, repealed martial law, and allowed the referendum to proceed.

"The desire of the people of Donetsk to determine their own future have prompted me to take appropriate actions," he said in a public speech. "As such, I have decided to hasten the transition to civilian governance and to allow the voice of the people to be heard through a referendum." Midst cheering crowds, Ivan Arkady, leader of the Donetsk People's Movement (DOPE), announced that the referendum would be held in two days. If a majority of the population is in favor, a special convention will be held in which members would be selected for appointment to a special commission that will head to Moscow to begin accession talks.

In Luhansk, the continuing reluctance of military governor Aley Oleganbov, despite pressure from ORAL-SK activists and the Muscovite government, prompted ORAL-SK leader Valery Bolotov to unilaterally declare a referendum to be held, "with or without government approval", starting immediately. "The people will not be hindered in the exercise of their rights by the foot-dragging of governor Oleganbov," he thundered in Luhansk's city square. In a telephone conversation, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin urged Oleganbov to "listen to the people" and to follow through in the implementation of their wishes "as soon as possible."

Whether or not Oleganbov will heed such advice remains to be seen.

(OOC: 5 of 7 posts)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Nizhny Novgorod exempt from central taxation

 

NIZHNY NOVGOROD - As part of the special arrangement designating the city a "special economic zone", the Ministry of Finance will not levy central taxes upon the city and its namesake province for five years. Furthermore, Nizhny officials will have increased powers to determine and implement tax policies, except where indicated otherwise (for instance, central government properties such as military bases will not be subject to Nizhny taxation). At this period of time, Muscovite government officials and administrators are currently working with their Nizhny counterparts in reconstituting and streamlining the Nizhny tax collection system.
 
Viceroy Oleg Sorokin gave his support for this move, stating it would greatly stimulate economic growth and foreign as well domestic investment in the city and its province.
 
(OOC: 7 of 7 posts)
 
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Donetsk residents vote in favor of joining Muscovy in referendum, Luhansk to proceed with referendum

 

DONETSK - In a referendum organized by DOPE activists, and conducted under the supervision of military governor Arkady Vlasov and Muscovite monitors, over 91.9 percent of the city's electorate overwhelmingly voted in favor for "union with Moscow", with 8.1 percent against. The question asked on the referendum was: "Do you support the initiation of the process in which the people of Donetsk would undertake to accede into an union with the Tsardom of Muscovy?"
 
There were wild cheering throughout Donetsk's street when Arkady announced the results, and DOPE activists and Donetsk government officials began preparations for a special convention that would send appointed commissioners to meet with Muscovite officials regarding accession.
 
In Luhansk, Oleganbov finally conceded to popular pressure, and gave the green light for a referendum to be held. In the subsequent referendum, held over forty-eight hours, over 87.4 percent of the city's inhabitants voted in favor of joining Muscovy as a full-fledged province on the same level as that of the Viceroyalties of South Russia and Nizhny Novgorod. As in Donetsk, ORAL-SK and government officials began the process of holding a special convention to send appointed commissioners to Moscow to initiate accession talks.
 
(OOC: 6 of 7 posts)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Holy Synod reestablished

 

MOSCOW - By a decree issued by the Tsar, the Holy Synod of the Russian Catholic Church was established, or in this case, restored. Originally established by Peter the Great in 1721, the Holy Synod will be the supreme administrative body of the Church between the sobors (meetings of local bishops in each Church), and will exercise a number of general functions in matters such as external relations.
 
The Holy Synod is to consist of twelve, with a Chief Procurator serving as the head of the organization. It would be tasked with the supervision of the Orthodox faith and local Church officials, the instruction of followers on religious matters, the celebration of feasts, resolving issues relating to order and ritual, and be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of monasteries and churches across the Tsardom.
 
However, the decree made it clear that the Muscovite state held ultimate authority and sovereignty over the Church and its affairs, including the Holy Synod. Although Church property would not be taxed by the state, the Church and its institutions would not have any jurisdiction over ecclesiastical subjects, let alone the Muscovite people.

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Donetsk and Luhansk joins Muscovy

 

DONETSK - In talks with government officials in Moscow, Donetsk and Luhansk deputies signed treaties of accession, joining the Tsardom.
 
The news was greeted with jubilant celebrations on the streets of Donetsk and Luhansk as the inhabitants began putting up Muscovite flags alongside local ones. In a ceremony in front of the Donetsk City Hall building, military governor Arkady Vlasov resigned his post, taking effect immediately, and DOPE leader Ivan Arkady was overwhelmingly elected provisional governor pending city elections in the near-future. Likewise, Luhansk military governor Aley Oleganbov turned over power and responsibilities to ORAL-SK leader Valery Bolotov midst cheering and celebrations.
 
"We have at last entered into a new age, one of cooperation and solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Moscow," Arkady declared in his first speech as governor of the Donetsk Governorate. One of Arkady's first official acts as governor was to appoint Oleksandr Lukianchenko mayor of Donetsk. "For the first time in decades, if not centuries, we found ourselves in an union with our brethren in Moscow. No longer will our people be divided ever again," Luhansk governor Bolotov proclaimed in front of a crowd of several thousand in the city square.
 
(OOC: 7 of 7 posts)
 
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Petition to revert name back to Stalingrad gains momentum

 

TSARITSYN - A growing number of people in the Volga city of Tsaritsyn have petitioned to the local City Hall to revert the city's name to Stalingrad, not to honor the infamous Soviet dictator but to commemorate the historic role the city played in repelling the Nazis in the Great Patriotic War. This petition, especially in a country where the Communist party - and indeed the ideology itself - is all but non-existent in the Tsardom, is perplexing.
 
"I find this to be very strange, considering that the Great Patriotic War ended centuries ago, and that the Soviet period has all but become a tiny footnote in our history," City Hall spokesperson Vasily Tomsky said. "At the very best, this is a form of social nostalgia for a historic period that has long since vanished."
 
Nevertheless, the name of Stalingrad still carries a great significance in Russian history. Not only was the city a bulwark in which the murderous waves of Nazism was finally hemmed, but it served as a rallying point in which Soviet troops began pushing the Nazis all the way back to Berlin in two-and-a-half years of extremely bloody fighting. Russians over the years and decades following the battle considered it one of their most proudest moments in their nation's long history, despite the city's renaming to Volgograd, and this sentiment continues today, albeit in a diluted form.
 
His Imperial Majesty's Chancery spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed unease at the proposed name change: "Why should we entertain the idea of re-honoring one of the greatest mass-murderers in our history?" He asked in a public speech. "It is true Stalin played an important role in transforming the first Soviet Union into an industrialized power, yes, but the cost he extracted from his own people is so great that we continue to suffer from it centuries later. Do we really want to commemorate that?"
 
As the city does not have the power to independently change its name, a popular referendum is one possible way to do so. If at least 50,000 inhabitants sign a petition in favor in three month's time, a referendum may be called by the Viceroyal Council of South Russia, in which the people could vote on it. If two-majority votes in favor, the Viceroyal Council may ask Parliament to pass a law changing the city's name (this is not obligatory). However, this seems unlikely, given the proponents of such a change is in the few hundreds, if not thousands.

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

New ministry established, tasked with protectorate maintenance

 

MOSCOW - The Office of Protectorate Management was elevated from a sub-agency within the Foreign Ministry to a full-fledged Ministry in its own right.

The Ministry of Protectorate Affairs (MPA) was formed in order to "facilitate efficient management of protected territories, resources, and assets therein", and all bureaus and departments in the Foreign Ministry tasked with protectorate oversight will be transferred to the MPA. Moreover, the Bureau of Ukrainian Affairs was dissolved due to the independence of the Ukraine, and its personnel transferred to the new Muscovite embassy in Kiev.

Should any neighboring nations collapse, the MPA will form relevant bureaus dedicated to the administration of protectorates regions.

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Ubersteinia collapses again! Peacekeepers deployed to Baltic states once again

 

MOSCOW - Following the unexpected collapse of Ubersteinia for the second time, the Foreign Ministry announced that the regions of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania would become a protectorate of the European Community, taking effect immediately, and that a contingent of 10,000 peacekeepers would be dispatched to the regions. Although Muscovy had voted against the protectorate amendments to the Charter in the first place, the Government is willing to follow through on its commitments to the Charter and to work together with other members in the maintenance of protectorate duties.

 

CLASSIFIED

 

10,000 troops, heavy equipment, and vehicles, along with officials from the MPA, would be deployed to the Baltic states from Putingrad and mainland Muscovy to maintain order and prevent anarchy. They will work together with troops and personnel from the other EC member states.

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Radiation cleanup continue to be in progress, albeit slowly

 
BOROVICHI - Progress have been slow, but steady in and around the irradiated city of Novgorod.
 
It was reported that less than ten percent of the city's irradiated rubble and debris had been successfully cleared away from the main streets, and that approximately five percent of the ruined buildings - primarily apartments and other private property - had been demolished (with a further ten percent in the process of being so). And that's not mentioning other infrastructure systems such as transit systems, generation plants, electronic grids, pipelines, sewage systems, telecommunication networks, and others.
 
Much work remains to be done. The central government had handed out approximately $15 billion to domestic and foreign subcontractors to perform the cleanup work. There have been considerations in the Novgorod city council in Borovichi to establish a massive 'protective sarcophagus' around the city's inner center to further contain the harmful effects of radiation to the cleanup workers and the surrounding regions.
 
"It has been very difficult, not only for the former residents of Novgorod, but also for the cleanup workers, emergency management officials, and the people of Muscovy as a whole," Vladimir Puchkov, head of the Ministry of Emergency Management (EMERCOM), said in a press statement in Moscow. "But we are working hard on it, to make the city inhabitable at the very least."

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

HIGHLY-CLASSIFIED

 

The Third Department of the His Imperial Majesty's Chancery was supposed to be a powerful sword and shield of the Muscovite state, vanquishing internal as well external enemies that aimed to bring down the state. Instead, it was a series of underfunded, understaffed offices staffed by underpaid workers who spent more time shuffling growing piles of paperwork and grumbling about their work than actually carrying out field work, that is, safeguarding the Muscovite state. This had something to do with being part of a larger organization; the secret police was third in a series of departments within the Chancery that constantly fought for funding, resources, and favor. The chronic lack of adequate funding, appropriation of such funds and misallocation of scarce resources by corrupt department officials, the high levels of disorganization, and the incompetence of officials, the lack of qualified experience of field operatives and agents ensured that the Third Department always fell far short of its mantra as the "Sword and Shield of the Tsardom." In fact, not only did large amount of paperwork litter the desks and floors of Third Department offices, but a backlog of case files were often than not misplaced. And it didn't particularly help that Third Department head Alexei Kropokin constantly quarreled with the other department heads, and the subsequent lack of inter-department cooperation further undermined the work and prestige of the Third Department.

 

It was with this in mind that Kropokin began using his extensive network of contacts within and without the Muscovite government to pressure Chancery head Ivan Abayev to allow the much-needed reforms the Third Department needed, or failing that, to allow it to form an organization of its own in order to carry out its work more efficiently. Needless to say, it was very difficult, given that many high-ranking officials were reluctantly to condone any rearrangement of the secret police, reasoning - perhaps out of ignorance of the actual situation in the offices - that if it wasn't broken, there was no need to fix it. In fact, many, including Abayev and the Tsar himself, questioned the necessity of a strong secret police apparatus when Muscovy had very few, if any, external enemies and that any internal issues would be adequately resolved by regular police forces.

 

Kropokin nevertheless held firm, resolute in his belief that Muscovy needed a strong and efficient secret police force to bolster the security of the Tsardom against any enemies that it may face. "We should not become complacent in the peace that we now enjoy at this time," he spoke in a speech to a special session of the State Duma, evidently attempting to use the legislature as a way to put pressure on Abayev and a select number of officials. "We must not forget that we live in an anarchic international order, where challenges will rise up that will test Muscovy's resolve on the domestic and international stage. Will we stand firm and united through a strong and efficient police apparatus, or will we weaken and fall apart?" He appealed for increased funding and resources to help improve and strengthen the Third Department and its organizational and administrative structures. When the State Duma declined to accommodate this request, and when Abayev repeatedly refused Kropokin's entreaties, the Third Department head increasingly shifted his focus on a separate institution unencumbered by what he characterized the "jealous struggle for resources and jurisdiction by petty bureaucrats and short-sighted department officials." He began bypassing the Abayev to appeal directly to the Tsar, something which more than once earned him sharp rebukes from the Chancery head.

 

Kropokin found a surprise ally in Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who having once been a secret policeman himself, sympathized with the Third Department head's views and statements. Putin's support was an immense boon to Kropokin, for it insulated him from Abayev's threats to relieve him of his position, enabled him to garner more supporters through Putin's own extensive social network, and allowed him greater access to the Tsar himself. In the Kremlin, Kropokin regaled the Tsar and his court with alarmist stories that emphasized the need for state security, and had his supporters organize massive grass-root campaigns in order to put unrelenting pressure on the Tsar. Although the Tsar initially was resistant, the indomitable Kropokin slowly and steadily wore him down until finally, one day, the Tsar finally authorized the formation of a new organization dedicated to state security. "That man has achieved what no one succeeded in centuries: he wore me down," the exasperated Tsar told his wife after the Third Department head left the room. "I'm willing to allow a totalitarian police state if that means getting that him out of my hair!"

 

Although he did not get a separate Ministry that he had wanted, Kropokin nevertheless got to head his own organization through which he would exercise control over state security throughout the nation. He hereby established the Imperial Security Service (Imperiya Sluzhba Bezopasnosti, ISB), and ordered a comprehensive review of Third Department personnel to ascertain their qualifications over Abayev's protests. These who met the strict criteria for employment would be inducted into the ISB, while these who did not would be promptly dismissed from their positions. The organizational structure of the Third Department as established by the Tsar's ukase will become that of the ISB, and will be classified a state secret. The media were not to report on this beyond a very vague article on the "rearrangement of the Third Department."

[JEDCJT]

Protectorate of Livonia reestablished

 

RIGA - Pending the arrival of other EC peacekeepers, the Protectorate of Livonia was re-established on order of Protectorate Minister Semyon Trofimov. 
 
Accordingly, Taavi Roivas returned to Estonia to take up responsibilities as Protector-General, Andriy Berzin for Latvia, and Dalia Grybauskaite for Lithuania. At the recommendation of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Loreta Ilves became the Chief Protector of Livonia once again, and will be tasked with maintaining public order, defending the regions, and preparing them for eventual independence.
 
The last session of the Tri-State Assembly prior to the Ubersteinian collapse will continue to legislate for the Protectorate for the time being. As for peacekeepers, the Twelfth Naval Infantry Regiment from Kronstadt will be tasked with manning, maintaining, and defending the unfinished Baltic Wall alongside Army engineers.

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

CLASSIFIED

 

Defense officials were notified through secure channels that Babylonian forces were in the process of withdrawing from the Crimea. Stavka immediately issued orders for a division (10,000), comprising of two motorized infantry brigade, an airborne brigade, and a surveillance team, to be deployed to the region. The troops would be airlifted into the Crimea aboard An-225 military transports, where they would move into military bases, installations, and other strategic positions, across the peninsula.

 

Officials from the Ministry of Protectorate Affairs (MPA) were on-route to the Crimea to establish a Bureau of Crimean Affairs.

[JEDCJT]

 Protectorate forces sent to unstable Kostroma region

MOSCOW - Elements of the military had been dispatched to the Kostroma region at the request of the region's government, the Moscow Times reported. Though no exact numbers were given, it was estimated that at least "thousands" of troops and "several dozens" of officials had been sent to the region.
 
Kostroma's leader Sergey Sitnikov urgently contacted Moscow and requested "assistance in the form of troops and equipment" post haste. No reasons were initially given, though it probably had something to do with the lawlessness that were apparently engulfing the region. 
 
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin confirmed the situation in a speech later today. "The situation in the Kostroma region had reached to such a point that the government there was compelled to request our assistance," he spoke to a special session of the State Duma. The situation he was referred to was a series of unrest that had been convulsed Kostroma for weeks, in which the government had been struggling to maintain public order in the face of growing militant threats.
 
"In accordance to the His Imperial Majesty's decree, the region of Kostroma will be placed under Muscovite protection for as long as the situation permits.

 

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Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Unrest in Kostroma subsides following arrival of Muscovite forces

 
KOSTROMA - The unrest that had been grappling the region of Kostroma seem to have subsided following the dispatch of Muscovite troops there, the Moscow Times reported.
 
The frequency of "terroristic attacks" by militant groups throughout the region declined when heavily-armed Muscovite troops and auxiliary police troopers launched a series of operations against the militants aimed at "eliminating their ability to mount offensive operations." A state of emergency was declared in Kostroma and some defensive measures enacted, such as the establishment of roadblocks and checkpoint crossings in certain parts of the city and provinces.
 
The situation in Kostroma is reminiscent to that in St. Petersburg, where authorities clamped down on militsiya (police) units that refused to heed Moscow's demobilization order. It was rumored, but not confirmed, that some elements of military units stationed in St. Petersburg were dispatched to Kostroma.
 
(OOC: 2 of 7 posts)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Government authorizes financial assistance to Kostroma

 

KOSTROMA - Parliament voted to pass the Kostroma Assistance Act, which authorizes up to $500 million to the region of Kostroma over a three-year period.
 
"Based on the information I have at hand, Kostroma have had economic difficulties for some time, especially rampant inflation, lack of outside investment, and declining wages," Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said in a speech during a visit to Kostroma. "We have a duty to the people of Kostroma to help them get on their feet, and to place the region on the road to prosperity once again."
 
On an unrelated news, a bill had been submitted to Parliament by United Muscovy (UNM) and its allies that, if passed, would pave the way toward the annexation of Kostroma into Muscovy.
 
(OOC: 3 of 7 posts)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Meeting between Muscovite and Kostroma officials to be held

 

MOSCOW - Kostroma's city council recently passed legislation paving the way toward the incorporation of the namesake region into Muscovy.

The law authorizes the Kostroma government to send representatives to Moscow for accession talks, and Kostroma leader Sergey Sitnikov has already made appointments for such a delegation. The topics for discussion include but are not limited to: taxation, economic policy, political representation, and defense.

In Parliament, the bill titled the Kostroma Accession Act has reached the floor of the State Duma, in which members will debate it in two readings. If it passes, the bill will be passed on to the State Council for further debate. If the State Council approves the bill, it will go to the Tsar for final approval or rejection.

(OOC: 4 of 7 posts)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

 Kostroma Act passed

 

MOSCOW - While meetings were held between Muscovite and Kostroma officials in Moscow, the State Duma passed the Kostroma Accession Act (otherwise known as the 'Kostroma Act') by a comfortable margin, and the bill was passed on to the State Council. There, it was easily passed with relatively little debate. The near-unanimous support of United Muscovy (UNM) delegates and their allies in both chambers were instrumental to the bill's successful passage.
 
When the bill reached his office, Tsar Mikhail Romanov promptly signed it into law, saying that a "new era has dawned in Kostroma, one of peace and prosperity."
 
To formally take effect upon the ratification of a Muscovite-Kostroma accession treaty, the Act formally admits Kostroma into the Tsardom as a territory, and outlines the process of the formation of a new provincial government in accordance to the accession treaty and the Fundamental Laws.
 
(OOC: 5 of 7 posts)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Muscovite-Kostroma accession treaty signed

 

MOSCOW - After two rounds of discussions, representatives from both Muscovy and Kostroma signed an accession treaty, effectively incorporating the region of Kostroma into the Tsardom.
 
Likewise, the Kostroma Act officially went into effect: the region was designated the Governorate of Kostroma, Sergey Sitnikov was designated provisional leader, and elections were called for the city's local assembly. The Fundamental Laws and Muscovite laws went into effect throughout the region, with reviews to be held to ensure the conformity of Kostroma laws with the constitution. Likewise, the Border Guard began manning checkpoints alongside Kostroma's eastern borders.
 
"It is with great joy that the proud people of Kostroma have chosen to join us in solidarity," Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said in a speech in Red Square. "They are warmly welcomed with open arms, and we will safeguard and defend their freedoms, liberties, and well-being in this world."
 
(OOC: 6 of 7 posts)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Kostroma well on the road to economic recovery

 

KOSTROMA - Parliament voted to pass a bill authorizing the infusion of up to $500 million into Kostroma's regional economy with the goal of further integrating it into the overall Muscovite economy.
 
For years, the Kostroma region had been experiencing economic difficulties (which was referred to as the "Economic Times of Troubles" by one regional newspaper), which was compounded by the militant threats that had engulfed the city-region at that time. Now, following Kostroma's incorporation into Muscovy, this will change, although it will take years, if not decades, of hard work and investment to bear fruit.
 
In addition to providing millions of funds and credit, the Kostroma Economic Recovery Act exempts Kostroma from central taxation for a certain period of time, and bestows Kostroma local official increased autonomy over fiscal and economic matters. 
 
(OOC: 7 of 7 posts)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Two cities renamed

 

ROMANOVGRAD - Tsaritsyn's local assembly voted to pass legislation officially changing the city's name to Romanovgrad ("city of Romanov"), in honor of Tsar Mikhail Ivanovich Romanov and the Romanov dynasty as a whole. 
 
The petition to rename the city after the Imperial family quickly outpaced the pro-Communist petition to revert the city's name to Stalingrad, receiving over 100,000 signatures within three months (compared to barely 1,200 for Stalingrad), exceeding the minimum threshold of 50,000. It also received strong support from many grassroots monarchist and Catholic organizations.
 
Originally, the Viceroyal Council was supposed to call for a referendum, and in case of success, ask Parliament to pass legislation officially changing the city's name (as the provincial and local governments lacked the powers to do so). However, recent events such as the delegation of increased powers to provincial and local governments and the dissolution of the Viceroyalty of South Russia (VSR) made it easier for the city to be renamed on local initiative.
 
The pro-monarchist mayor, Roman Niyokov, persuaded the local Duma to pass legislation officially designating the city as Romanovgrad. The province was renamed the Romanovgrad Governorate shortly after, followed by the namesake Imperial City. This is the city's second name change in post-apocalyptic history.
 
The same happened in the city of Luhansk, where mayor Sergey Kravchenko managed to garner enough support (including that of Governor Valery Bolotov) to compel the city council to modify the name to the Russian-sounding Lugansk. The namesake province was accordingly altered to reflect the new name.

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Table of Ranks reinstated

 

MOSCOW - Tsar Mikhail issued a decree reinstating the 1722 Table of Ranks, with modern modifications.

 

 

Fourteen grades of rank were established, from the lowest to the highest. Every position and status outlined in the Table would be determined based on service and merit, rather than birthright or seniority, and every member were expected to work their way up from the bottom.

For instance, a civil servant reaching the 14th rank would be endowed personal nobility, and civil servants or military officers who reached the 8th rank received the right to hereditary nobility. To be promoted, officers have to meet certain qualifications, and receive the Tsar's personal approval for any promotions after the 5th rank.

Rules for wives and children of civil, court, and military officers were established, and violations of one's rank would be punishable by a heavy fine.

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Ultranationalist Party founded

 

TVER - At a party meeting held in the city of Tver, party leader and radical nationalist Imran Markov announced the founding of the Ultranationalist Party (UNP).
 

 

"There was once a time where the state centered in Moscow held the best interests of the people in its heart," Markov boomed, his voice echoing throughout Tver and the rest of Muscovy, through loudspeakers and TV screens. That time had long passed, in which the "fat nobles" and "bourgeois imperialists" had grown complacent in power at the expense of the people.
 
"We will not stand for the needless sacrifice of the Russian people, nor the selling out of the nation to western interests," Markov thundered. "We in the Ultranationalist Party will strive to ensure Russia reclaim its rightful place in the world, one of a strong power instead of the degenerate fiefdom of bourgeois bloodsuckers." It was interesting that Markov chose to refer to the country as 'Russia' instead of 'Muscovy'.
 
When a reporter brought up the issue of anti-Ultranationalist sentiments, such as Alvonia's crusade against extremism, Markov smiled. "Alvonia will be dealt with, you can count that." he vowed. "In fact, when I become leader, I will do everything in my power to expunge the Alvonian scum off the face of this planet. We will utterly crush them and hang their leaders from the highest tree of the land. You can quote me on that. They will tremble before the strength of the Russian bear."

 

Based on Markov's statements, and the party's platform, it seems the Ultranationalist Party is a pro-communist party that seeks to "bring the country back to what it was during the days of the USSR."

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Troops deployed to Arkhangelsk and eastern Vologda regions

 

MOSCOW - The Defense Ministry announced that it has authorized the deployment of troops and personnel to the neighboring regions of Arkhangelsk and eastern Vologda via land and air, the Moscow Times reported.

"In consultations with the Tsar and the National Security Council, I have authorized the deployment of troops and personnel to Arkhangelsk and East Vologda," Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu said in a somewhat-wooden speech in Moscow. The reasons behind this move, he said, was the "precarious situation" in the two aforementioned regions, as well as Muscovy's concerns regarding "strategic and national security" and its obligations to the peoples there.

"Furthermore, in accordance to this move, Arkhangelsk and eastern Vologda will be placed under Muscovite protection," the Defense Minister concluded.

Exactly how many troops and personnel, along with heavy equipment, Shoygu didn't say. But a statement from a Defense Ministry official, who has requested to be anonymous because he wasn't authorized to speak on the matter, reveal that the deployment was "around two divisions" (20,000 troops) for Arkhangelsk and "at least five regiments" (5,000 troops) for eastern Vologda. Several unspecified aircrafts and military vehicles would also be sent into the regions.

Personnel from the Ministry of Protectorate Affairs (MPA) and the Ministry of Emergency Management (MGM) will be dispatched to the two regions as well.

 

(OOC: 1/7 for Arkhangelsk, 1/7 for eastern Vologda)

Edited August 20, 2014 by JEDCJT