The officer kicked the cooling body once, to confirm the kill. The peaked cap on his head cast a shadow over his features, obscuring the bright blue of his eyes. With a sigh, the man felt the adrenalin surge slowly subsiding, replaced with a hollow sense of victory. He turned to his co-conspirators, nodding once.
"It is done, the tyrant is gone. Tolenka, the media?" he asked
"The tapes have been edited and sent. They'll never know what happened here." an older gentleman replied.
"Excellent. Well, the train has been set in motion gentlemen, ladies, there is no getting off now. For the future of the Motherland I pray this ends well."
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Putin Assassinated, Russia in Turmoil
by Vladimir Astapkovich
01/01/2013
A violent attack on the Kremlin yesterday has rocked the nation on it's foundations. A rogue faction of unknown origin infiltrated the building and assassinated several important politicians, including the president, prime minister and minister of foreign relations. Only the rapid response of several military officers on the scene prevented further casualties as they fought alongside the guards to contain the terrorists. It is currently unclear who is in de facto in charge of the country, until such time martial law has been declared for the Moscow area under the rule of General Pavel Dragovich.
Possibility of an Inside Job 'Likely' Pg. 2
'Absolutely Unacceptable' claims Minister of Finance, Pg. 5
In-Depth: Follow up Terrorism Major Long Term Concern Pg. 8
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State Secretary Fucchin Arrested for Corruption, accuses Minister of Finance
by Alexander Nemenov
08/01/2013
A large ugly stain was left on the coronation ceremony of President Anton Siluanov today. The police was forced to issue an arrest warrant for Secretary of State and acting president Alexei Fucchin after several heavily incriminating documents came into the possession of several media outlets. Among others this redaction received undeniable evidence the Secretary was heavily involved in setting up lucrative under the table agreements with Gazprom and several other oil companies. When asked for comment the only thing the state secretary would let slip was an emotional accusation towards the newly inaugurated president Siluanov. With the leadership already deep in crisis after the assassinations of last week, this only further worsens the unrest at the fringes of the country.
Highlights of Revelations Pg. 2,3
Rosneft Gas Deal Uncertain After Corruption Claims, Pg. 4
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Dagestan Rebels Seize Power in Major Cities, Army Dispatched
by Luvensky Chevnenko
10/01/2013
Islamic Fundamentalists have successfully seized power in the cities of Derbent and Dagestanskiye after a flash offensive. Bolded by the apparent lack of a strong leader in the Kremlin, the rebels overcame the cities defenders with relative ease. Infamous preacher and warlord Ali Rasul praised the efforts of his warriors today in a speech recorded in the City Hall of Derbent, claiming the current string of catastrophes to hit the Russian leadership a 'sure sign of Allah'. When prompted, the Minister of Defence declared the current crisis to be a test of Russia's unity and called for citizens to bide their time and wait for the Russian Army to arrive. Colonel General Pavel Dragovich has been officially charged with leading the operation, taking command of the 58th Field Army.
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58th Field Army Launches Successful Offensive
by Luvensky Chevnenko
08/01/2013
The Russian Army scored a major victory early this morning with a successful decapitation strike. At 1 am this morning several special forces struck the compound of terrorist leader Ali Rasul at the same time as the 4th armoured began moving in on the city of Dagestanskiye. Surprise was total and at 03:00 AM local time Ali Rasul was confirmed killed. When this newspaper went to the press the fighting in the city was still ongoing, although the operation started 'smoothly' according to several embedded reporters. Dagestanskiye is expected to be completely liberated by tomorrow afternoon.
Clockwise starting top left:
Grad artillery truck firing it's ordinance on distant positions.
Infantry men taking a cigarette break after a heavy battle in the suburbs.
Children's playground showing signs of rapid abandonment.
T-90 Main Battle Tank stands guard over a civilian field hospital. Flowers are from grateful inhabitants.
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New Scandal Rocks Kremlin.
by Vladimir Astapkovich
14/01/2013
The leadership crisis seems to only grow worse, despite desperate attempts by politicians to stem the tide. With the former president Siluanov now awaiting trail the government is yet again searching for a president. Several different politicians have begun vying for the position after the news came out that Siluanov was put under arrest after severe suspicions of fraud. Tensions are rising to a maximum after claims by right wing politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky that leadership must be taken 'by force of arms if words fail'.
Pg. 3 Zaitsev: following Zhirinovsky's advice?
Pg. 4 Anonymous Soldier: 'Pot calling out the kettle'
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President Pavel Dragovich announces 'Civil Reform'
by Vladimir Astapkovich
26/01/2013
After a short but extremely volatile period of accusations, assassinations and inaugurations, it seems that the leadership crisis has finally abated. With the historic 'victory march' towards the Kremlin last week former army general and interim president Pavel Dragovich has successfully dealt with the last few opponents to his take-over. A spirit of hope and excitement was palpable as the new president made his inauguration speech. Dragovich has promised to deal with internal squabblings in the Kremlin and announced a 'Civil Reform' program that aims to put an end to the rampant corruption and sluggish bureaucracy that plagued the former regime. Although many have cast their doubts about the president's ability to enact such a program, it remains a fact that the General has a solid resume of dealing swiftly and competently with any and all incompetent or corrupt people under his command.
Supporters of Dragovich are oft seen toting 'Yes we can' signs, a throwback to the campaign of former US president Barack Obama.