Fellow countrymen,

Two days ago while walking the streets of St. Petersburg our glorious Tsar Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, was attacked by a Finnish nationalist who attempted to take his life. The Imperial Guard was able to neutralise the madman but not before he was able to loose three shots into the Tsar and the crowd of innocent bystanders.

We are happy to announce that thanks to the blessings of Our Lord, the Tsar was not mortally wounded and is resting safe within the walls of the Winter Palace.

Government sources have confirmed that the assailant had connections to a notorious Finnish insurgent group whose agenda is the succession of Finland from the Empire and the wanton slaughter of countless innocent Russians. Such an affront to the Russian people, the Tsar and even God himself will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

In response, the Imperial Council will expand operations in Finland, including:

• Decreased autonomy in local affairs, as it has been displayed by this attack that a lack of strength in local governance threatens to tear the union apart

• Increased efforts to teach the universal Russian language, culture and customs in the province of Finland (and harsh punishments for engaging in any non-approved subversive languages, culture or customs)

• Increased military presence and police powers, especially near the north-western border with Greater Scandanavia - this includes the construction and arming of six new military facilities and improved border control policies to prevent contraband from reaching these subversive elements in Russia

All hail Russia! All hail the Tsar!