Europe 2021 : turn by turn AAR for Modern Conflict v1.7

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 8



Norwegian Sea



More submarines gather around Marshal Ustinov to sink it, but it still miraculously manages to dodge the attacks. HMS Kent and Iron Duke of the Royal Navy arrive to support the attack on the Russian ship.




Scandinavia - North





Defense of the region.




Finland







It is in the South that the bulk of the fighting is concentrated. Despite the withdrawal of some units to Helsinki, the Finns manage to push the Russians out of Joensuu. Significant British air support, which is preparing to drop SAS to secure the city and thus lock the northern flank of the units engaged in Lappeeranta (pic 2). Around Lappeeranta, the Finnish infantry units had plenty of time to entrench themselves, but the Russian artillery seemed to be present in force. Similarly, some VVS units are ready to compete for NATO skies. The first Challengers II are about to be unloaded in Helsinki, the battle of Lappeeranta promises to be fierce (pic 3).




Baltic Sea



NATO is relentlessly pursuing the Russian fleet in the Gulf of Finland, which is suffering impressive losses. The goal is to totally destroy it to ensure the control of the sea. In the air, American, Swedish and Finnish fighters intercept Russian naval aviation aircraft as they refuel at the captured Tallinn airport. If the losses inflicted are marginal, it is a blow to the Russians in the region. The Baltic Sea is now under NATO control.




Baltic States





Riga is under sustained assault (pic 1). NATO fears that the city will eventually yield, which would endanger the battle lines between the Daugava and the Niemen (pic 2). In this region, moreover, the armies retreated slightly to facilitate the defense, protected during the maneuver by aerial bombardment. Vilnius is thus abandoned. However, the Allied armored vehicles are present in large numbers: if the Russian offensive weakens, NATO will seek to counter-attack in force and seek out Russian support units. The stakes of the battle are high.




Belarus





Faced with strong defenses in front of Minsk, the Germans threw a pontoon bridge further north on the Niemen, near Grodno (pic 1). The maneuver surprises the Russians of the Baltic front on their rear. In the south, efforts are made to capture Pinsk (pic 2).




Kaliningrad



The German Bundeswehr finally give the order to enter the city. Hammered by artillery since a few days, a part of the garrison is quickly neutralized. Surviving Spetsnaz defenders promise to be harsher opponent.




Belarus - East





Belgian paratroopers are deployed near the Russia/Belarus border (pic 1). The objective is to take advantage of the bad weather to neutralize the military airport of Smolensk and thus hinder Russian air operations. Further south, the Ukrainian paratroopers are counting on the coming storm to disappear behind the lines (pic 2).




Ukraine







The Ukrainians are pushed back west of Dnipro (pic 2). The Greek air force and the remnants of the Ukrainians multiplied the raids to weaken the advance. Reinforcements are on the way, but the advantageous defensive position on the river is about to be lost.




Black Sea



NATO manages to break the resistance of the Russian fleet. The losses are severe.




Georgia



Small counter-attack to block the Abkhaz advance. Very grim situation.




Syria



NATO fleet is approaching Syria.




Serbia



Hungarian Armors attacks Serbian ones as they are retreating from the North. The latter are destroyed. North of the Danube is now empty of Serbian forces; West Belgrade is soon also secured. Only the south of the Serbian capital is still well controlled.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 9



Norwegian Sea





The last Russian cruiser of the second flotilla is isolated and trapped (pic 1).




Scandinavia - North





The skies become dominated by Russia, from which bombers attack the Norwegian lines on the Tana. The battleship Admiral Nakhimov also begins bombardment operations, accompanied by the Smolensk. Russian troops prepare to secure Kongsfjord (pic 1). The Russian contingent in the South begins its ascent towards the North to threaten its objective (pic 2). To hasten the fall of this fiercely defended region; reserves of VDV are sent in support.




Finland





Joensuu receiving significant reinforcements, the Russians send a detachment from Vyborg to restore an offensive impulse (pic 1). This is not supposed to weaken the main axis Vyborg-Helsinki, where breaches are made in the Finnish defense (pic 2).




Gulf of Finland



The fleet continues its retreat; but this time the Russians benefit from the support of the remnants of the air forces in continental Europe, although extremely reduced. If none of the NATO squadrons engaged around Tallinn airport is destroyed, they suffer significant losses. Meanwhile, naval aviation can deal with submarines following Russian ships.




Baltic States







Noting the difficulties encountered by the main axis of attack in the South, Riga suffered a massive attack despite notable losses and was invested by the Russians (pic 1). This should make it possible to destabilize the NATO defenses in the sector, the fighting between the Daugava and the Niemen rivers being brutal but indecisive (pic 2). If the Russians manage to re-enter Vilnius, the troops appear to be outnumbered (pic 3). The Russians rely on artillery.




Belarus





The Belarusian Spetsnaz padlock the bridgehead near Grodno and thus protect the South of the lines in the Baltic States. Another well-supported contingent is locking down access to Minsk (pic 1). It is in the South that the situation worries: the defenders of Pinsk know to not have sufficient support if the Poles focus there (pic 2). Since the loss of Brest, the Belarusians are struggling to hold on. A withdrawal is expected for the next day.




Kaliningrad



Only the Spetsnaz continue to fight for Kaliningrad. The hope of holding out until the arrival of reinforcements has evaporated, but these faithful intend to fight until the end whatever their chances. As the Germans place anti-aircraft batteries around the redoubt; the Sukhois are evacuated. The squadron, which was transitioning around Riga, engaged a squadron of F-15s. Enemies are engaged and completely destroyed without loss. As the tide of the war turns against Russia, it is a great symbolic success.




Belarus - East





Despite the forecasts, the weather is excellent and allows the air forces to track the paratroopers. Ground troops come to complete the ukrainian defeat.




Ukraine







The bridgehead east of Dnipro is solid. New pressure exerted on Kyiv to forbid the sending of Ukrainian reinforcements further south.




Black Sea



The Russians fall back too late, most of the fleet is already lost.




Georgia



The Russian T-72s deal the fatal blow to the Georgians and break through the defenses.




Syria



NATO submarine detected: HS Okeanopolis is sunk.




Serbia

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 9



Norwegian Sea







HMS Kent finally sinks Marshal Ustinov (pic 1). NATO fleets are advancing north (pic 2). The objective is ambitious: the Barents Sea. The air forces regroup in Troms to support the fleet or the fighting on the Tana, as required (pic 3).




Scandinavia - North





The bombings open up possibilities for the Russians. The Americans grant the sending of paratroopers to help hold the place while the air base of Troms is already dispatching aircraft. It takes a few days before they arrive.




Finland





The approximate dropping of the SAS on Joensuu slightly slows down the securing of the city (pic 1). The attitude is always cautious. Further south, the Finns retreated to Lappeeranta. Royal Air Force typhoons attempt to support ground defences (pic 2).




Gulf of Finland





NATO decides to deal with the Russian fighters, which are regaining strength from their withdrawals away from the lines, while the NATO fighters are suffering attrition from anti-aircraft fire. The important air deployment initiated by the Russians in the region pushes to direct the air forces stationed in Helsinki, Riga, and those in transit to the region, to engage combat in the area. The Russians suffer heavy losses (pic 1). On the sea, the German fleet entered the Gulf and did not intend to let go its routed prey (pic 2).




Baltic States







Following the securing of the Baltic Sea, the Danish fleet is redirected off Riga to provide naval support. The ace squadron coming from Kaliningrad is intercepted by a large air force and is completely destroyed above the city. On the ground, Riga is captured (pic 1). Between the Daugava and the Niemen, the heavy bombers destabilize the enemy lines, which suffer a succession of small attacks by ground forces (pic 2). The Russians are in trouble but do not break. Multi-national armored counter-attack south of Vilnius (pic 3).




Belarus



Sensing a weakness between Minsk and Pinsk, a unit of German 2A7 Leopards attacks, breaks the opposing line and rushes into it. The Poles follow. For the first time, the entire Belarusian front could really be shattered.




Kaliningrad



As the last Septsnaz defenders come under heavy bombardment, German special forces prepare to dislodge them.




Belarus - East





The Ukrainian airborne operation is a total disaster. The last squads still able to fight desperately try to hide (pic 2).




Ukraine









Reinforcements flock to the center of the country. NATO now plans to withdraw to let the Russian forces engage in the heart of the country to crush them with assaults from all sides (pic 3). This means holding Kyiv, once again under attack (pic 1). Ukrainian long-range missiles target Russian ground-to-air systems to allow planes to carry out massive bombardments (pic 2).




Black Sea



The last Russian ships withdraw. The passage of the Bosphorus is secure.




Georgia



The Georgians now only control the surroundings of the capital Tbilisi.




Syria



The Russian resistance seems to be more serious than expected. The fight to approach the coast is uncertain. A second French flotilla is approaching.




Serbia

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 10



Scandinavia - North





Kongsfjord is captured. The Smolensk and Voronezh submarines send missiles which destroy the artillery ensuring the protection of the Tana (pic 1). With the movement of troops from the South towards Utsjoki (pic 2), the defenses seem to be able to be crossed the next day, provided that the support remains at such a good level.




Finland





T-80s from the south arrive on the rear of the Finnish contingent (pic 1). The Russians intend to neutralize the army at Jeonsuu quickly to protect the flanks of the main attack axis. Lappeeranta's defenses are beginning to give way (pic 2). The Russians intend to destroy the Finnish forces as soon as possible before disengaging from the region to support the Belarusian front, while forces in Northern Scandinavia has to secure the border with Sweden. The fleet returns to the port of Saint-Petersburg in poor condition after its Baltic adventure. Its mission is now just to defend the naval approach to the city and simply survive.




Baltic States





The Russians are unable to get out of what is beginning to become a trench war. Noting the regrouping of NATO forces and the Polish breakthrough near Minsk, the Russians fears to be bog down and encircled. They abandoned the offensive towards Kaliningrad and prepared a withdrawal towards better defensive positions, scheduled for the following day. It is up to the Ukrainian front to achieve a decisive breakthrough.




Belarus





In view of the German/Polish breakthrough south of the Belarusian capital, the Russians evacuate strategic equipment to the east. Minsk must hold out until the forces in Lithuania can withdraw (pic 1). Pinsk is also abandoned (pic 2). The Dnieper and Daugava rivers should become the next lines to defend.




Kaliningrad



The news is certain: the city cannot be rescued either by sea or by land. The Spetsnaz can only hold off the attackers for as long as possible.




Ukraine







The Russians enter Kyiv. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian backs are well held and this does not trigger any breakthrough (pic 1). The bridgehead west of Dnipro is solid, but the defenders seem determined to not let the Russians advance (pic 2). However, moving forward seems essential so as not to let NATO reorganize and take the initiative. In view of the debacle in the Black Sea, the amphibious forces land in friendly territory to avoid the NATO fleets (pic 3).




Black Sea



The Moskva and two other ships are the last survivors of the fleet. These gather near Sevastopol, protected by the anti-ship missiles present in the base.




Georgia



Tbilisi is in sight. The defenders can't hold much longer. The objective is now to take the country as quickly as possible to strengthen the Ukrainian front, on which progress is essential but increasingly uncertain.




Syria



The naval battle is growing, but concerns almost exclusively submarines. The Russian surface ships are careful to stay out of range of the powerful French frigates; and the latter are reluctant to engage in combat without having obtained more intelligence on the enemy's capabilities in the region.




Serbia



Serbia seems lost. Only Belgrade and the south-east of the country remain free.

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 10



Norwegian Sea





The Norwegian fleet returns to Troms (pic 1). The first air patrols take off to the north in search of the Russian fleet (pic 2).




Scandinavia - North



Norwegian fighters take off from Utsjoki to destroy lone naval bombers. Two squadrons of English F-35s from the Troms air base arrive in the area to rebalance the fighting.




Finland





The attack from the south of Joensuu destabilizes the Finns. The city is recaptured, the SAS join the local army to protect it (pic 1). The line of defense in Lappeeranta gives way. The first Challengers II landed in Helsinki join the Finnish Leopards 2 to block the Russian advance towards the capital. The force of T-80 clearing the way for the invaders is annihilated (pic 2).




Gulf of Finland



To secure an aerial victory over Talinn, the German fleet bombarded Russian equipment around the city. Russian anti-aircraft missile batteries come under heavy suppressing fire, allowing air forces to deliver precise strikes to finish them off. The last Russian aircraft are also shot down.




Baltic States







The allies take the initiative. If the lines do not move much, it is up to the Russians to feel the pressure. Armor makes increasingly powerful localized attacks under constant NATO bomber cover, inflicting heavy wear (pic 2). If the counter-attack south of Vilnius made little progress, it resulted in the destruction of many enemy armored vehicles, including the modern T-90s (pic 3).




Belarus





The German KSK and Gebirsjagers routed the Belarusian Spetsnaz, opening up a potential breakthrough to Minsk from the north (pic 1). To the south, the profusion of targets slightly slowed down the Polish advance, but the Russians no longer seemed to have any reserve to oppose them. Mechanized troops prepare to rush en masse on Russian support units. Belarusian troops evacuating Pinsk are chased by the Poles (pic 2).




Kaliningrad



The German special forces distinguished themselves once again by carrying out a successful assault on the urban fortifications erected by the Spetsnaz. They celebrate their victory by unofficially renaming the town Koniegsberg. NATO now plans to capture the last support units still in the city and use the port to prepare the Dutch to lead amphibious operations around the Gulf of Finland.




Belarus - East



The Belgian paratroopers, taking advantage of the disorganization of the Russian army, manage to seize the military airport of Smolensk without a fight. The clashes on the front rising always more in intensity, the Russians do not have enough reserves any more to ensure the protection of all the back.




Ukraine











The Czechs rush to the aid of kyiv and take it back (pic 2). The Dnieper line is stabilized (pic 4). Air strikes become widespread thanks to the destruction of AA equipment (pic 3). Kursk air base is under attack by NATO air forces (pic 1).




Black Sea



NATO fleets have to regroup before launching operations in the area.




Georgia



the tanks desperately try to block the Russians in front of the capital.




Syria



The French frigates engage combat to support the Greek submarines.




Serbia



After heavy shelling, the Croats capture Belgrade. The remnants of Serbian forces are trying to remain in a state of combat in the south-east of the country.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 11




Scandinavia - North





The Russians finally cross the Tana thanks to naval support (pic 1). To the south, the Russians have finished organizing and are breaking through the Finnish defences (pic 2). Russians forces are again on the offensive in the area. Utsjoki, target of the attack, is in danger from North and South.




Finland





Attacking from all sides, the Russians surrounded the allies at Joensuu (pic 1). The armored battle on the road to Helsinki is relaunched, this time it is up to the Leopards II to give in to the Russian machines. Pushed back into the forests, they are surprised and destroyed by Spetsnaz teams (pic 2).




Baltic States





According to the plan, general retreat of the Russian forces. The troops in the North retreat on the Daugava (pic 1); those in the center near the Russia/Belarus border (pic 2). Rearguard units are responsible for protecting the retreat.




Belarus





Given the large amount of equipment deployed in the region, the evacuation of the Minsk region requires more protection and is slower (pic 1). To the south, the fleeing Belarusians have crossed the Dnipr, which they are beginning to fortify to protect Gomel (pic 2).




Belarus - East



The Belgians cannot celebrate the capture of Smolensk airport; they are driven out by a combined operation involving the city garrison and attack helicopters. Combat vehicles rush here to chase down the paratroopers.




Ukraine







The fighting for Kyiv continues (pic 1), but it is still west of Dnipro that the fighting may be the most decisive. Russian tanks are closing in on the outskirts of Kryvyi Rih. NATO forces seem to be weakening slightly (pic 2). Reserve tanks are preparing to support the offensive, while others are redeploying in Belarus to help hold the front.




Black Sea



The Admiral Makarov Frigate receives emergency repairs in the port of Sevastopol. The local fleet admits the loss of the Sea, but intends to defend Crimea.




Georgia



The first Russian units attempt to cross the Mtkvari River. The artillery remained a little quieter than usual to recover ammunition. Despite this small slowdown due to logistics; the Russians manage to destroy the last Georgian anti-aircraft batteries, which now have no other choice but to suffer under the bombs.




Syria



The Auvergne frigate is hit by a Bastion missile strike and suffers catastrophic damage before being finished off by the Russian ships which remained near the coast.




Serbia



A liberation of Belgrade is impossible. The Serbian generals see little possibility of winning the war, but they refuse to surrender.

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 11




Norwegian Sea



NATO fleets in the Atlantic now have 3 objectives :
- destroy the Kuznetov carrier to ensure the naval supremacy of the alliance ;
- push the russian fleet out of the Atlantic ;
- advance into the Barent Sea to weaken the support that the russian ground troops receive in northern Scandinavia.




Scandinavia - North



The Russian assaults succeed, Utsjoki is abandoned to avoid the loss of local units. Only a small, dedicated garrison remains behind to slow down the Russians. British air reinforcements dominate the opposing air force.




Finland





Finns and British are forced to leave Joensuu and head west to avoid encirclement (pic 1). In the south, the situation is better. Air and naval strikes reduce the effectiveness of attackers and Challenger IIs are now present in sufficient numbers to balance the fight. Almost all of the Russian heavy armor assigned to take Helsinki has already been destroyed (pic 2).




Baltic States





The Russians fail to hold Riga. IFVs equipped with ATGMs cross the Daugava to harass the Russian vehicles before retreating to cover (pic 1). On the main line between the Daugava and the Niemen; the armored NATO forces pass and break through the Russian defences. The latter, harassed by the bombers, do not have time to stop to refuel (pic 2). Only the Daugava effectively protects the retreat. Vilnius is taken over by the RIMa of the French expeditionary force.




Belarus





NATO forces are approaching Minsk from the north and south (pic 1). They hope to reach the capital quickly to capture as much valuable material as possible. The pursuit of the fugitives towards Gomel is slowed down (pic 2) : priority to the assault on Minsk. In the air, however, dogfights are important here. The Russians lose a large quantity of support aircraft; for few casualties among Western fighters.




Belarus - East



The Belgian paratroopers, despite the Russian strikes, remained close to Smolensk airport to provide information on the deployment of Russian air forces in the area for as long as possible.




Ukraine







It is the turn of the Ukrainian Spetsnaz to take over the defense of Kyiv (pic 1). Indirect fire becomes devastating; the Russians must give way more and more. West of Dnipro the allies have accumulated an impressive number of reserves; they begin a slight retreat to encourage the Russians to advance: the objective is no longer to repel the Russian forces; but to attract them west of the Dnepr to destroy them there (pic 2).




Black Sea



Taking advantage of the Russian withdrawal, the Greek and Italian fleets took over from the local fleets and organized themselves around the Giuseppe Garibaldi. Ultimately, the objectives are to completely secure the Black Sea and support a reconquest of Crimea.




Georgia



All Georgian forces have taken refuge south of the Mtkvari river. The duration of the Georgian resistance seems to be counted only in days.




Sirya

The Chevalier Paul frigate had to withdraw after the destruction of the Auvergne. The Russian defenses appearing solid, it is necessary to wait for the arrival of the carrier battle group Charles de Gaulle to hope to secure the coasts.




Serbia





The Croats continue their advances (pic 1). A small unit of Serbian scouts is located west of Bucharest (pic 2). The Hungarians are tasked with blocking a possible Serbian advance towards Romania.

[Akkula]

Interesting. It seems the Russians are about to reach their breaking point. Its just a matter of time until NATO gains total initiative.
According to the screenshots, it seems your Russian forces are lacking of anti air support, I dont see any S-300 or S-400
Thanks for this AAR, looking forward to see the rest of it

[Imeror]

OK, time to continue !

According to the screenshots, it seems your Russian forces are lacking of anti air support, I dont see any S-300 or S-400

A major problem indeed. But... not true in every theater. The problem was more with my plan than the balance of the scenario.

Where the situation is the worse, it's in the Baltic States. The reason is simple : Unlike others "lighter" equipments like 9K35 Strela, missiles units have to be in movement mode and can't defend against air units. My ground advance was so fast that I have to keep them mostly in movement mode and so were vulnerable against air bombardment while they regroup with frontline forces. Sometimes, they are protected by other AA units, but the SEAD plane unit is a thing to take into account.

And it's worse in the Belarus front, where they had to flee quickly. During their retreats, they are extremely vulnerable. Keep them in fire mode for too long, and they will be reached by enemy ground units ; redeploy them and air units attack everything en masse.

At the opposite, in Northern Scandinavia and Finland for example, it goes well. AA missiles are present and very effective. My advance was slow and AA units were in better position, without the need to constantly redeploy to cover ground units or to flee faster. The S-300 (or S-400, not sure) unit in Northern Scandinavia was at -30 points of damage inflicted at turn 12. They were one of the reason why the air battle is more balanced (and even at the advantage of Russia) in Northern theaters than in central Europe. Since I try to take pictures of frontlines and they have long range, they often don't appear.
In central Europe, the more numerous NATO planes and constant evolving of the frontlines are problems that I've not achieved to manage properly with my AA deployment.


AA missiles are very powerful units for RF, but NATO has everything to destroy those very valuable units : SEAD aircraft (only one, don't add more !) ; heavy bomber that can remove nearly every ammo ; long ranges arty (HIMARS especially are awesome ! Same as SEAD plane, one is enough) ; enough aircrafts to operate nonetheless where AA units are ("they can't destroy us all !!!") ; and they are very fragile. Every attack they suffer make huge damage.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 12




Norwegian Sea






Scandinavia - North



British F-35s threaten Russian control of the skies. Targeted by surface-to-air missile batteries and a superior concentration of the best Russian fighters, an entire squadron is annihilated. On the ground, the situation is also favorable: the powerful naval support makes it possible to wear out the defenses of Utsjoki, the garrison is released by force by the ground troops.




Finland







Undercover paratroopers spot troop movements on the Finland/Sweden border (pic 1). The Russians focus around the assault on Joensuu ; even if the Finnish artillery could be evacuated, the infantry were overwhelmed and the SAS were isolated (pic 2). The assault toward Helsinki slowed down due to the strong British armored presence and enemy naval support, even if the surroundings of Lappeeranta were cleared (pic 3). Given the obstacles, the main assault could become Joensuu-Helsinki and would result in isolating the heavy units deployed on the Helsinki road. With the successes in the North, NATO's defenses in Scandinavia could be giving way: a new effort could disrupt the adversary's plans.




Baltic States





The Russians have withdrawn behind the Daugava river, which now has to be defended. Riga is not recaptured: enemy naval support prohibits holding this kind of coastal position (pic 1). Daugavpils, on the other hand, is more fortified (pic 2). The Russians must organize themselves as best as they can to keep the NATO forces at bay while the rest of the troops retreat east to organize a new front line.




Belarus





The Russian forces were able to evacuate their best tools from around Minsk. As a result, the Belarusian capital is evacuated by the bulk of combat units (pic 1). Part of the forces settled in defense of Mogilev and the Dnieper River, the rest prepared to hold a line linking the Daugava and the Dnieper. NATO's progress towards Gomel from Pinsk is slowed down (pic 2) : it is Minsk that interests the allies.




Belarus - East



Despite the russian operations, the Belgian paratroopers remain operational.




Ukraine







The Russians must once again give up Kyiv (pic 1). It is in the center that the fights must be decisive. The heavy armor is making a bloody path to the West. The lock that constitutes the city of Kryvyi Rih must break the next day (pic 2). This should make it possible to support a generalized crossing of the Dnieper. Once done, the Russians hope to be able to complete the conquest of Ukraine.




Black Sea



With the loss of the Black Sea, the Russians begin to bring in reinforcements to protect Crimea.




Georgia



Except for an isolated detachment, the last Georgian forces are gathered in Tbilisi. The Russian Marines stand out for their heroism when crossing the Mtkvari River.




Syria



The Russian fleet does not pursue its French adversary: ​​the support of ground-based missile batteries is essential to ensure the success of a naval combat.




Serbia





Serbian scouts capture Bucharest airport. The Serbian generals, forced to defend a redoubt between Belgrade and Pristina, plan to deploy the army towards the East in order to assist a Russian advance. The odds of achieving anything are extremely slim, but it's better to fight for a strategic surprise than to sit idle and die with no options.

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 12




Norwegian Sea






Scandinavia - North







After some fighting, the British F-35s withdrew. If they were not decisive and suffered high looses, they still rebalanced the fights. They reach Troms and must prepare to support the ships charged with attacking the Kuznetov and its fleet. The Swedes spot Russian paratroopers near the Sweden/Finland border during their transit and must stop their deployment to the front to neutralize them (pic 3).




Finland





The initial Finnish counterattack for Joensuu is a failure. The artillery was able to withdraw, but not the infantry. Only the SAS were able to avoid being overwhelmed by the Russians and are still resisting in the woods around. The Challengers II having repelled the Russians marching towards Helsinki redeployed urgently towards the city in order to secure the artillery and save the SAS (pic 1). It is up to the Americans to help defend the Finnish capital. The German fleet must support them and begins to advance towards Saint-Petersburg (pic 2).




Baltic States





The Russian retreat turns into a debacle. NATO crosses the Daugava in force at Riga (pic 1) while the Russian rear guards south of the river are overwhelmed and leave the support and artillery vehicles undefended (pic 2). Sensing Russian weaknesses, NATO plans become ambitious. To the British, assisted by small Spanish and Belgian contingents, to liberate Estonia and attack Saint-Petersburg. The German army must cross the Daugava at Daugavpils to threaten Moscow from the north. The Americans must crush the Russian defenses between the rivers and attack Moscow frontally.




Belarus





There too, Russian rout. Minsk still holds, but the Polish vehicles manage to bypass it to engage the retreating Russian units (pic 1). Next, the Poles and the French corp will cover the southern flank of the main Allied advanceand link with the army in Ukraine. But before, it is necessary to take Minsk and cross the Dnieper.




Belarus - East



Thanks to the information provided by the Belgian paratroopers, the air forces of NATO plan a strike on the military airport of Smolensk. The Russian Air Force continues to be bled.




Ukraine







The allies only slightly oppose Russian advances west of the Dnieper (pic 2). Allied tanks and bombers are ready to fall on the tip of the Russian offensive. NATO also plans to simultaneously release the bulk of the French army east of kyiv (pic 1) to break the Russian lines at all points.




Black Sea






Georgia



Catastrophic situation. The last Georgian units intend to protect the capital until the end.




Syria





The French flotillas regroup off Nicosia, ready to soon dispute the Syrian coasts (pic 1). Unfortunately, the NATO high command calls for the rapid capture of Tartus. Thanks to the reconnaissance carried out earlier, a Rafale squadron escorted the French, Italian and Greek paratrooper planes to northern Syria, outside the field of action of the Russian AA missiles. The paratroopers' objective is Allepo and its airport (pic 2). The plan is risky, but time is running out. Amphibious reinforcements will be waiting.




Serbia





The allies chase the Serbs. A Hungarian vanguard rushes to the rescue of Bucharest, around which prowls Serbian scouts. An Italian reconnaissance helicopter spots Serb movements towards Romania.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 13



Scandinavia - North







Russian forces rush at full speed towards Troms to continue the capture of military airports on the Atlantic coast. Defenders are overwhelmed one after another(pic 1). The fleet is preparing to accompany this movement towards Troms. Spotted, the paratroopers deployed near the Swedish border must withdraw (pic 3).




Finland







The Russians hunt the fleeing Finnish units since the capture of Joensuu. The destruction of sufficient enemy equipment should make it possible to neutralize Finland and remove threats to Russian territory on the northern flank. New units move towards Joensuu to resume the attack of Helsinki. The air forces of NATO, exhausted by continual raids, slow down the interventions in the North: the Russians take advantage of this situation to increase their own air missions. However, on the ground the SAS are still too well entrenched to be neutralized (pic 2). Little advance from Lappeeranta, now defined as the secondary axis of attack (pic 3).




Baltic States





The Russians, surprised by the strong NATO bridgehead north of Riga, reacted in disaster to repel the attackers. The counter-offensive does not reach the capital, but threatens NATO positions (pic 1). Spetsnaz are deployed to hold Daugavpils (pic 2).




Belarus





The Russian retreat turns into a disaster. Units are trying to entrench themselves near Viciebsk, but the losses already seem too numerous to block the progress of NATO forces there (pic 1). To the south, the Dnieper River serves as a barrier. The Russians are better protected and more numerous there (pic 2). It is in the North that the situation worries the most.




Ukraine







The Ukrainian artillery massed behind Kyiv as well as the constant aerial bombardments immobilize the Russian army with its massive fire (pic 1). West of Dnipro, attack of Kryvyi Rih, whose garrison is quickly defeated (pic 2). The Russians are fully involved in the offensive and commit a large number of their best vehicles: a major success in Ukraine is essential to counterbalance the rout in Belarus.




Black Sea






Georgia





The Russians finally defeated Georgia. A deluge of fire fell on the last defenders who abandoned the capital and their entrenchments in a short time (pic 1). A unit of marine infantry, the “Devils of Mtkvari” particularly distinguished itself during this campaign: destroying AA equipment crucial to the Georgian defence; successfully crossing the Mtkvari River in front of the defenders; and participating in the last assault on Tbilisi; all without suffering any losses (pic 2). Despite this prestigious decoration, the Georgia campaign took longer than expected. A small garrison must hold the region in the event of a NATO landing, but the bulk of the troops must urgently redeploy to Ukraine.




Syria



A NATO air operation is detected in the north of the country, but no reaction is undertaken; exempted the sending of a BMP unit to interfere with the allied airborne troops. Russian forces are too few in Syria and must rely on support units from the Tartus base to guarantee a successful defense.




Serbia





The Serbian forces maintain their cohesion despite the strong pressure that they suffer.

[Imeror]

NATO : turn 13



Scandinavia - North









The Russians have completely secured Utsjoki (pic 1). The last NATO fighters leave the region. Since the majority of land resources are already deployed in the Central Europe zone, the defenders will only have American paratroopers and occasional air and naval support to defend ports and air bases as reinforcements (pic 3). To the south, Russian vehicles are detected advancing west. Norwegian Leopards II, at rest near Karasjok, disrupt this axis of progression (pic 2).




Finland





The British tanks intervene successfully west of Joensuu. The Finnish artillery is secure and the SAS can break out of the encirclement (pic 1). Near Helsinki, a brigade of US marines had time to deploy to support the Finnish defenders (pic 2). The fighter squadrons are still in full reorganization, but the German frigates are ready to deliver a powerful barrage if necessary.




Gulf of Finland



The German fleet begins the destruction of the remnants of the Russian fleet. The Neustrashimy is the last frigate still in service, and the next target.




Baltic States





NATO forces employ all available weapons to break through Russian defences; but these cling hard to their positions. The bridgehead near Riga is difficult to secure; it took a German detachment to join the operation to ensure its success (pic 1). In Daugavpils, the spetsnaz are hunted by the KSK who can boast of having become specialists in this discipline. This must have been done through a flurry of artillery fire and after risking and losing some valuable vehicles. It will take a few days for the Germans to rearm and reorganize after the operation (pic 2).




Belarus







The Americans are also on the offensive. The last points of Russian resistance in front of Viciebsk are either outflanked or avoided. The Americans throw themselves on the Russian defenses while they are still in full reorganization, whether on the ground or from the air. Allowing Russian troops to have time to establish a defensive line is out of question. The Poles detach an armored unit to support the assault (pic 1). The Poles must cross the Dnieper. As in Ukraine, this river has become central in the war. Mogilev is well held (pic 2), but Gomel can be reached. The road to reach it is clear despite the loss of some troops (pic 3). As in the North, the watchword is to maintain constant pressure on the Russian and Belarusian armies.




Ukraine





The order is given: general offensive. The Czechs and Ukrainians cross the Dnieper in Kyiv to ensure control of a bridgehead and destabilize the Russian army east of the river, which is still in full reorganization due to incessant bombing. This small bridgehead should allow the French army to launch its major offensive in the region. This one has already deployed pontonnier units in order to multiply the assault points (pic 1). West of Dnipro, the Greeks and Austrians lead a powerful counter-offensive. The Russian tanks present here are certainly more powerful, but surprised and with little space to maneuver correctly (pic 2). NATO hopes to trap them here while the French rampage further north.




Black Sea



The fleets are still preparing.




Syria



The Charles de Gaulle group is finally ready to move forward.




Serbia



Serbian forces are trapped. Their destruction is near.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 14



Norwegian Sea



The capture of military airports in Norway and the disastrous situation in Eastern Europe pushes the Russian navy to try its luck in the region by attacking NATO fleets. The Russians thus hope to cover the ground troops heading south and pose a threat to Western Europe, likely to alleviate some of the pressure exerted in the Baltic countries, Belarus and Ukraine. The Norwegian fleet loses ships due to surprise but defends itself valiantly.




Scandinavia - North







The progression towards Troms is made without resistance (pic 1), but a Norwegian point of resistance is spotted in Karasjok (pic 2), it must be removed by the units to the South.




Finland





NATO's air weakness in the region is being fully exploited by the Russians, who are stepping up bombing missions. A new contingent of armored vehicles from the North arrives as reinforcements. NATO is fighting hard for the region, but the Russians are just advancing. Helsinki is beginning to be isolated from the north of the country. Reinforcements, especially anti-aircraft, are sent to help the troops in Eastern Europe in serious difficulties.




Baltic States





Once again, the Russians tried to counter-attack to block the crossing of the Daugava in Riga. If NATO's advance is hampered, the outskirts of the city are not even reached (pic 1). In the southeast, at Daugavpils, the situation is similar: in desperation, the Russians rely on mutual support from all artillery pieces to temporarily block the NATO assault (pic 2). In view of the impossibility of holding the river, the decision was taken to abandon the Baltic countries the next day. A regrouping with reinforcements from Finland should help stabilize the situation.




Belarus







Support units near Viciebsk would be enough to hold a line; but combat troops are sorely lacking. A retreat seems to be necessary once more; but the generals are extremely worried about the ability to carry out a retreat under the bombs and the relentless pursuit of the allied troops (pic 1). A ​​withdrawal further east is already planned. Indeed, the defenders on the river held firm despite the clear numerical inferiority: the Poles were even pushed back thanks to the miraculous success of an counter-assault near Gomel (pic 3). Settling on the defensive east of the Dnieper should be able to cover the army in Ukraine, hoping for a decisive breakthrough there. It is up to the troops further north to stop the NATO armies before they reach Moscow.




Ukraine





Aware of the risk of letting the allies operate freely on their side of the river, the Russians immediately counter-attacked and recaptured Kyiv airport (pic 1). The Allied attacks in the center of the country surprised the Russians who temporarily suspended their advances (pic 2), especially since it was necessary to return troops near Kyiv in view of the insistence of NATO in the region. However, there is no question of backing down, it is necessary to obtain a victory here to relieve the pressure suffered in the Baltic countries and Belarus.




Black Sea



Despite the threat posed by NATO fleets, the Moskva and the last ships of its squadron fired and wore down the enemy defenses at the mouth of the Dnieper. NATO seems to have as much difficulty as Russia to replace its losses, the slightest damage inflicted can make the difference.




Serbia



The Serbs continue to hold Kosovo where they manage to block the Bosnians. The Serbian army is now confined to the eastern border of the country.

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 14



Norwegian Sea



The Norwegian fleet tries to avoid combat as NATO anti-submarine helicopters take off from Troms air base to weaken the first wave of Russian attack. F-18s from the aircraft carrier George Bush escort them. A British flotilla prepares to come to the aid of the Norwegians.




Scandinavia - North



In great demand, fighters stationed in Troms were deployed in the East to neutralize isolated squadrons. Gaining control of the skies will be key to halting Russian advance in the region. In central Finland, troops are regrouping to move north and cut off the rear of the attacking army.




Finland







Despite local Russian air superiority, the British Challengers fought hard to stabilize the northern axis (pic 1). In view of the Russian maneuvers, it is now a question of retreating in good order towards Helsinki and protecting the capital. The American aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford is deployed at the entrance to the Gulf of Finland to support air operations (pic 3).




Baltic States





NATO is beginning to stabilize its bridgeheads north of the Daugava and is preparing to rush even further. A unit of survivors of the initial British retreat in Estonia, the "Baltic Avengers", are at the forefront of the offensive in Riga.




Belarus







A violent American armored attack shattered the Russian defensive system south of Viciebsk (pic 1). The Russian border is close. In the south, the Poles are unable to cross the Dnieper. Their losses were very important during the battle of the borders while the Russians are well installed and have some very powerful missile launchers preventing a Polish progression. The Poles who thought they were going to force their way near Gomel were thus trapped on the river (pic 3). The French corps is redirected further north, in the wake of the Americans who must rush towards Moscow, in order to find another crossing point aimed at turning the defenses.




Ukraine





French Leclers and Italian Ariete take advantage of the bridgehead established the day before as well as a floating bridge set up further south to cross the Dnieper en masse. The Russians are crushed by this assault which costs them some of their best vehicles. Ukrainian BMPs cover this offensive by also crossing the river to the south-east, in order to limit the risk of a Russian counter-attack causing damage (pic 1). NATO takes advantage of the chaos caused near Kyiv to accentuate its counter-offensive in the center of the country. The Russians are driven out of Kryvyi Rih (pic 2).




Black Sea



The Italian fleet reacted immediately to the movement of the remnants of the Russian fleet from Sevastopol. Despite the threat of anti-ship missiles, it engages in combat and destroys two of the last Russian ships without having suffered fire in return.




Syria



Pressed for time, the French launched their operation to neutralize Syria. Paratroopers jump to the northwest of the country to seize Aleppo while the fleet engages its Russian counterpart to clear the way for the landing of troops. The threat posed by missiles from the Tartus base is worrying, but NATO demands quick results.




Serbia



Serbian troops find themselves completely surrounded in the east of the country.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 15



Norwegian Sea



The Russian naval aviation, which was waiting for NATO aircrafts to engage themselves first in the combat zone, engaged in the battle from a position of strength. An entire squadron of American F-18s is shot down. Russian submarines continue to chase Norwegian ships. If the latter decided to engage in combat, they would expose themselves to the missiles of the surface ships following the submarines.




Scandinavia - North





Slowing of the progression towards Troms: priority to the capture of Karasjok to avoid leaving Norwegian infantry able to operate freely on the Russian rear (pic 1). Finnish troop movements are spotted further south. The generals fear that a counter-offensive is being prepared there. However, confirmation is needed in order to make a decision, whether the threat is real or not (pic 2).




Finland





Fighting slows West of Joensuu. The Russians progress on the ground and remain masters of the skies, but the English reinforcements prove to be a major obstacle. A VDV brigade is parachuted in to block the main road linking Helsinki to the north of the country, and push the enemy forces into disorganization. (pic 1)




Baltic States







Evacuation from Estonia (pic 1) and the Daugava line. Troops deployed in Riga will begin by moving to Pskov, where superior anti-aircraft assets and a well-fortified town await them behind which they can regroup (pic 2); before continuing the retreat to the northeast. For those of Daugavpils, it is a question of moving back still further (pic 3). In one case as in the other, tanks leave last to try to slow down the inevitable Allied pursuit.




Dniepr - North







The line of Viciebsk having been annihilated by the Americans, the survivors had to fall back South of the Dnieper, after Smolensk (pic 1). This retreat opens a way towards Moscow but makes it possible to save the remnants of the army, especially as the defenses of the capital are estimated to be strong enough to repel an offensive and as more and more reinforcements are flowing there. In the South, Belarusian soldiers fight to keep the Dnieper in order to protect the last lands of their country. Despite their numerical inferiority they still fulfill this objective and contribute to maintaining a semblance of a defensive line for the Russians (pic 2 & 3).




Ukraine







The kyiv region must be evacuated urgently. The Franco-Italian strike left few survivors, but any vehicle saved is precious in view of the losses suffered at this stage of the war (pic 1). To the great despair of the general staff, the troops had to withdraw from the conquered territories at the West of Dnipro. NATO troops, although significantly less well equipped in the area, continue to hound them. If the Russians fail to cross the river in good order, they could see the road cut off and thus lose a huge amount of personnel and high quality equipment. The withdrawal must be quick but well organized (pic 2). The disengagement in the South can be slower, being less exposed (pic 3).




Black Sea



In its last stand, the corvette Ingushetiya sinks the frigate Frederico Martinengo after a successful anti-ship missile strike from Sebastopol.




Syria



Against the large scale of the French attack, the Russian forces in Syria launch everything they have. The French frigate Aquitaine is hit by a missile but remains afloat. The air force also throws itself into the battle, still within the field of coverage of the anti-aircraft systems. On the ground, however, nothing is done. The Russian forces do not have enough manpower to engage the paratroopers.




Serbia

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 15



Norwegian Sea



Air resources in the region are concentrated on the naval battle. The Norwegian and British fleets prepare to engage more heavily, while a second British fleet and the Dutch one close in to secure victory.




Scandinavia - North





The Karasjok area was successfully evacuated, but the garrison found itself isolated. The Norwegians begin to regroup in Troms from where they hope to be able to prepare the reconquest of the North of the country. For now, they are waiting for reinforcements from the South and for air support to become available (pic 1). In the meantime, the Finns, soon supported by a Swedish contingent, begin to attack towards the North to regain the lost ground, which must be able to relieve the Norwegians (pic 2).




Finland





British and Finns take advantage of the slowdown in Russian operations to retreat to Helsinki, despite the traps set by the VDV (pic 1). New SAS troops are parachuted in to aid the retreat. Entrenched around the capital, the allies think they can hold out there indefinitely thanks to the support of the German fleet (pic 2).




Russia - Northern Front





Each in their own sector, British and Germans pursue the retreating Russians. The speed of their vehicles and the powerful air support facilitates this task. Russians are already counting heavy losses.




Dniepr - North







The Americans are already reaching the outskirts of Smolensk. Aircraft equipped with anti-radar weapons render the Tunguska air defenses ineffective (pic 1). Further south, as the Poles struggled to cross the Dnieper, vast air operations are organised. NATO is not just aiming for the capture of Moscow, but the destruction of the whole Russian army. There must be no respite : the pocket of the Dnieper must be destroyed, not bypassed. In Mogilev, the NATO long-range artillery (particularly the American HIMARS) targeted the Russian anti-aircraft defense, which had the effect of completely disorganizing them; before assault aircraft launched a series of precise air raids aimed at putting them out of action for good. Only a few Pantsir escaped the massacre. The next step is to bombard the Belarusian artillery so ground troops can force their way through (pic 2). In Gomel the process is different: the plan is to drop paratroopers East of the city to disrupt the defenses and trap the defenders there (pic 3).




Ukraine







The French forces, supported by the Italians and Czechs, take back the ground lost in Ukraine (pic 1). West of Dnipro, the Russians are trapped by the allies who have no intention of letting them escape (pic 2). Everywhere, the Russians have left the right bank of the Dnieper river.




Black Sea



The Greek Poseidon submarine informs the NATO fleets about the Russian deployment around the port of Sebastopol. Meanwhile, surface ships move out of range of the dreaded Russian missiles.




Syria



The Russian air force was quickly neutralized by the French Rafales from the Charles de Gaulle carrier. The Marine Nationale takes control of the seas, but the Novorossiysk submarine escapes the attack and continues to transmit information to the missile batteries based at the Tartus base. On the ground, the French paratroopers are heading towards Latakia while the Greeks must take Aleppo.




Serbia



The Serbian defenses are decisively broken in the East by the Hungarians.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 16



Norwegian Sea



Despite the loss of several submarines, the Russians continue the assault. Many Norwegian ships and the Royal Navy's HMS Duncan are torpedoed.




Scandinavia - North





The Finnish attack in the south seems serious: the offensive towards Troms is stopped (pic 1) to allow reinforcements to redeploy there (pic 2). The siege of Karasjok continues nevertheless because if the progression can resume thereafter, the fact of having eliminated the garrison will accelerate the operation. In the meantime, the troops are preparing for a possible withdrawal, in case the Finnish offensive reach Utsjoki and trap the Russians in Norway.




Finland





The collapse of the Central European front, the British resistance and the lack of men led the General Staff to reassess the situation. Capturing Helsinki by encirclement from Joensuu is no longer a viable option. Harassment operations are indeed triggered to push the English to retreat, but the Russians are instructed to regroup in the southeast, near Lappeeranta (pic 2). From there, they can concentrate on the defense of Saint-Petersburg or repel the units protecting Helsinki with missiles. The SAS having fought for Joensuu are finally defeated. VDV ambushes, air attacks and lack of Allied support proved fatal to them (pic 1).




Russia - Northern front





The pursuit of the retreating Russian armies is swift. At least the fugitives can rely on strong defenses in Pskov (pic 1) and Velikiye Luki (pic 2) for shelter further east. Part of the army having fought in the Baltic countries must regroup in Saint-Petersburg, the other behind the Volga. Both being fortified by Russian reserves.




Dniepr - North







The Russians are forced into a premature general evacuation. The neutralization of anti-aircraft assets in the region, the intensification of artillery strikes and the looming defeat in Ukraine are transforming the defense of the northern part of the Dnieper River into a deadly trap for the Russian and Belarusian armies. These are evacuated further east, towards Moscow. Infantry units are tasked with holding Smolensk, Mogilev and Gomel for as long as possible. The losses are already too many to let NATO pursue the fugitives.




Ukraine







The northern front continues to retreat (pic 1). The center intends to follow the next day, as long as Dnipro holds (pic 2). In the South, the retreat is accelerating. The last units must leave the approaches to the Dnieper at the same time as the central troops (pic 3). The Donbass is the next point to defend. This will be aided by troops from Georgia.




Crimea



The peninsula can be attacked by sea or ground now.




Syria



Thanks to the information provided by the last active submarine, the frigate Aquitaine is destroyed. However, it seems impossible to oppose the ground troops.




Serbia



The Serbian army is completely trapped. The last units still able to fight are trying to resist one last time around Pristina.

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 16



Norwegian Sea



The naval battle turns in favor of the Russians, the NATO fleets try to withdraw; while the air forces manage to take a slight advantage. Dutch, British and French reinforcements should arrive within two days and can turn the tide of battle.




Scandinavia - North





As the Norwegian fleet has withdrawn, the Troms garrison is informed with concern of the approach of the Russian fleet (pic 1). The ground troops, however, seem to be at a standstill. The Karasjok garrison is still holding and signals the redeployment of Russian armor to the south. Moreover, the Swedes arrived as reinforcements to support the progress of the southern offensive. They should arrive in two days.




Finland





With the roads disputed by each side, the allies are slow to evacuate the area west of Joensuu (pic 1). The arrival of the Gerald R. Ford could give NATO an advantage in southern Finland: the British can use the infrastructure of Helsinki airport to land even more ground troops while the aircraft carrier is used to restore damaged aircrafts. This concentration of resources could tip the balance decisively very soon (pic 2).




Russia - Northern front









Tallinn is liberated by British troops (pic 2). Further south, the NATO armies come up against the Pskov-Ostrov line, but it seems clear that this is only a slight obstacle given the disproportion of forces in the area. The confirmed presence of advanced anti-aircraft assets remains a problem (pic 3). Same situation in Velikiye Luki (pic 4). The Americans also cleared the small Belarusian pocket of Viciebsk.




Dniepr - North







Smolensk continues to resist against the Americans (pic 1); but Mogilev falls. The Poles immediately set off on a furious pursuit (pic 2). The situation is also good in Gomel. Polish and German paratroopers are dropped all around the Russian evacuation column. They are trapped between the paratroopers and the main Polish corps (pic 3).




Ukraine









After having brought down the Russians in front of Kyiv, the very mobile French army embarked on a great ride towards the North-East. First objective: Oryol (pic 1). Ultimately, the objective is to trap the enemy troops in the Belarusian pocket and threaten Moscow from the South. The small Czech army must advance towards Kharkiv to maintain the link between the French on their left and the Italians on their right (pic 2). The Italians must follow the Dnieper to ensure the crossing of the river of the allies at Dnipro. To everyone's surprise, the Ariete tanks manage to dominate the Russian T-90s (pic 3). The Ukrainians, exhausted but still combative, act as a reserve for the Czechs and Italians.




Crimea



The Battle of Crimea begins. NATO wants fleets to weaken defenses while ground troops advance towards the peninsula. It is the Italian ships which are responsible for carrying out this first phase of the operation. Anti-aircraft systems are totally removed. Allied avations take advantage of this vacuum to go on the attack.




Syria



The French fleet becomes undisputed master of the waters with the destruction of the Novorossiysk submarine. Ships should now be safe, out of range of enemy detection systems. Greek paratroopers seize Aleppo while the French and Italians attack the missile batteries defending the base of Tartus.




Serbia



The Serbs are pushed back from the North as far as Pristina. The victorious forces will be tasked with securing captured territories in Serbia and Belarus.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 17



Norwegian Sea

Russian submarines continue the attack. The British fleet is in trouble, the HMS Monmouth suffered a torpedo attack but survived.




Scandinavia - North





Beginning of the withdrawal towards Utsjoki. The last Russian objective in the region is to clear Karasjok (pic 1). Faced with the Finnish offensive, the Russian infantry retreated in good order while waiting for armored reinforcements which arrive from the North (pic 2).




Finland





Russian paratroopers managed to isolate a unit of British Challengers II west of Joensuu. The Russians hope to neutralize it in order to regain control in the sector. (pic 1) Once regrouped, the Russians prepare for a frontal advance towards Helsinki (pic 2). Iksander missiles were redeployed to assist the offensive.




Russia - Northern front







Beginning of fortification south of Saint-Petersburg (pic 1). The Pskov-Ostrov line still holds : the remnants of the Russian equipment deployed in the Baltic States seem to be sheltered for now (pic 2). The situation seems identical to Velikiye Luki (pic 3).




Dniepr - North





Great panic southeast of Smolensk. The Poles, who were able to cross the Dnieper at Mogilev, are already close to catch the retreating units. The anti-aircraft units did not even have time to move into position to cover the escape (pic 1). East of Gomel, the situation is worse: Polish Fallschirmjagers and paratroopers have completely blocked the Belarusian retreat route. The fate of the army in Gomel is sealed (pic 2).




Ukraine







The line has completely given way to the North. Here, the armies even intend to withdraw as far as the Don (pic 1). Further south it is in the Donbass, very fortified after eight years of war, that the Russians intend to stop the inexorable progress of NATO (pic 3). Since the retreat could has been well done here, not to mention the forthcoming support of units from the Georgian front, this hope is not without foundation.




Crimea



Even if the Russians lose their stock of anti-aircraft missiles based in Crimea, AA guns and naval fighters remain operational and inflict damage on NATO aircrafts. The few Italian ships within detection range were targeted by anti-ship fire, but this was not enough to deter NATO from continuing its efforts to conquer the peninsula.




Syria



Russian marines emerge from their defensive positions to chase the French from the mountains overlooking the base at Tartus. The Russians remain combative despite the glaring lack of means.




Serbia



Surrounded by Bosnians and Croats in Pristina, the last Serb fighters are preparing to hold their last square.