OK, I have taken Varna and Constanta, as agreed. My attitude is worshipful, so hopefully, Austria, you can make peace (or even better, alliance) on your turn.
We applaud our new Prussian ally's stance, and undertake to protect Prussian lands, as if they were the Rodina itself!
In the absence of a Swedish response to our Prussian ally's ultimatum, the war continues. However, sortie-ing from Vyborg, our Frigate HIMS Alexei was defeated by a small Swedish Brig! Our sailors are not ready yet to take on their expert opponents - but the bulk of the Russian army, with much of the heaviest 64pdr artillery, continues to approach Finland and Reval. Here, there will be no mistake. However, if the Swedes force us to fight to retake Reval, and annex Finland, the Russian armies will not stop until they are in Stockholm. We think the Swedes have been aware of this for some time, and admire their spirited resistance against overwhelming odds, but this is absolutely their last chance. By late summer, the attack on Reval will be underway, and any late Swedish surrender or attempts to negotiate will be ignored...We note the ungarrisoned state of many Swedish cities, and conclude that their army is already fully stretched. Oh, how we wish Paratroopers had been invented
Does the Austrian merchant ship at the opening of the Dardenelles wish to pass into the Black Sea? Assuming it does, the Russian guardship has been moved temporarily. The ships further up the Straights will be moved in their turn when the guardships are back in place.
Will traders wishing to pass in this area please notify the Admiral well in advance, so the blockade can be lifted? If their papers are in order, of course....