July 6th, 1902
New York City
Grand Duke Michael finally arrived in New York to attend the emergency conference called by Britain, an ally of the Russian Empire. In recent years his great nephew's ability to rule has been called into question, not only by scheming nobles, but by the people, foreigners, and even some of the clergy. The Great War, while did not result in a loss of land for Russia, it greatly harmed its prestige as a world power. Then Ukraine-Romania so easily thwarted a massed Russian assault on the Donbas region, and then again in the north. Now, yet again the Ukrainian chips away at what power the empire has left. Poland is in revolt. Student demonstrators have taken to the streets of St. Petersburg. It is only a matter of time before things become truly dire for Russia. Michael himself is an old man, aged into his seventies. He recalls the days of when Russia was great, was feared and respected all of the same. Now, under the curseful rule of his great nephew, Russia has all but collapsed. Nicholas views the United Nations as Russia's last hope, and that Russia may not be able to fight a long war against a Ruthenian offensive, but Michael views the UN as useless. Nonetheless, he was happy to get out of the chaos embroiling the country for once.
As he approached and entered the building, he noted that he was in fact the first to arrive. He took his respective seat in the chamber reserved for UNSC meetings, and lit a cigar. This was to be a long day.
Poland
Two days of constant bombardment had claimed the lives of hundreds, fighter or civilian. The Russian armies outside, eager for a decisive victory over the Natsis, began a mass-assault on the city. There was little resistance that remained, but this did not prevent looting, killing, and other attacks on the Poles within the city. However, in the end it was discovered that Leo Jogiches had fled the city, to Krakow, hoping to jump the border into Ruthenia if things got desperate. Enraged, the Tsar ordered another assault on Southern Poland, and they had authority to move into Ruthenia if "that damned bastard tries to escape", as the Tsar put it.