[ETW AAR] Crisis in Crimea - a special report....

[gord96]

Faction: Crimean Khanate
Mods: Imperial Splendor 1.05, 4tpy, All factions unlocked

Russia Puts Troops on Border

[Bakhchisaray] Russian troops were spotted on the northern border of Crimea today, south of Kiev. This is just another action in the tense situation in Crimea since the Russian Empire declared war on the Crimean Khanate last year.

Khan Devlet I, denounced the action and requested support from it's protector, the Ottoman Empire. No immediate reply was received from Istanbul which only fueled the continued debate whether Devlet I made the right decision in accepting the Sultan's terms last year which made the Khanate its Protectorate.

Devlet I (FILE PHOTO)

The Khan immediatly ordered the Army on alert and ordered the formation of several new regiments, mostly made up of loyal Cossacks from the surrounding villages of the capital.

A Russian army official was asked about the troop deployment to which he replied it was only a training exercise.

The Russian Tsar, Pyotr I, has made no secret since coming to power that he has no love for the Khanate and sees Crimea as Russian lands that were stolen by the Golden Horde hundreds of years ago. With his declaration of war in 1699 he let the world know that he was serious. With the Pact of Bakhchisaray signed in December, the Ottoman's officially entered the war as well as a Protector of the Khanate. As of yet a single shot has not yet been fired by either side. The large Russian army is seen as being able to invade Crimean at anytime as the Khan's Home Guard is but a fraction of the troop strength in the Ukraine. It remains to be seen if the formation of new regiments that were recently ordered by the Khan will provoke Russia into action before the Khanate military grows.

We at the Crimean News will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.

Russian build-up

[gord96]

Khanate Prepares for War!

[Bakhchisaray] Further steps were taken today to prepare the Khanate of Crimea for possible invasion from the Russian Empire. Khan Devlet I ordered better roads to be constructed, allowing for greater mobility of its troops. Also a large fort was built to protect the capital in case of invasion. The fort was named Fort Al-Ma'harra and its defences block the the primary bridge that allows access to Bakhchisaray from the upper Crimean peninsula.

With their continued military buildup, the Khanate is playing a dangerous game with the Russian Empire as it may provoke them into action. Further scorn was heard for the Ottoman's in the capital as several nobles and ministers wondered where support from their Protector was. The Ottoman Sultan has pledged that the Empire will stand by the Khanates side, but so far only words have been offered.

Some say that words have worked so far as the Tsar has decided not to invade yet. Does the Tsar have second thoughts about provoking the Ottoman's into action? Or perhaps the recent outbreak of hostilities between Russia and Sweden have caused the Tsar pause. Either way the six month old state of war between the three nations has been quiet so far.

Rumors persist that a large portion of Russian troops in the Ukraine will be transferred north to help in the northern war against Sweden, but Moscow denies this.

Khanate Horde Bey, Suri Al Habash, spoke to us last week and said that the Khan's Home Guard is ready to resist all Russian aggression. Whether this is just for local morale is yet to be seen. The Khanate army is small but also known to be well trained and aggressive, as it is made up of the warlike Cossack people.

Suri Al Habash, Horde Bey (FILE PHOTO)

[Roloc]

This is good, keep it up.

PS: Attack those Russians while they are distracted

[gord96]

Russia Raids Crimea!

[Northern Crimea] A Russian army crossed into Crimea this week and attacked the breadbasket of the Khanate of Crimea. Over thirty farms were burned by the Russian raiders under command of General Aleksandr Menshikov, one of Kiev's favorite sons.

The raid was designed to put pressure on the Khan to stop the buildup of his military by cutting of the food that feeds the people and the Khan's army. No word on casualties but it is said that many civillians were killed.

Khan Devlet I was outraged and demanded the Russian army leave Crimea immediately. The Khan's Home Guard, under the command of General Jahan Abbasi, was moved to Fort Al-Ma'harra to protect the capital as the Russians moved deeper into the country.

General Jahan Abbasi (FILE PHOTO)

As before, only words were offered by the Ottoman Sultan who also demanded the Russians troops return to the Ukraine.

Craftsman and farmers from southern Crimea were dispatched immediately to assess the damage.

This raid comes just days after the majority of Russian troops in the Ukraine were transferred north to fight the Swedes. It was hoped that the transfer of the Russian forces would cool the tensions in the region, but Pytor I quickly dashed that by ordering the raid into Crimea.

The people of the Crimean Khanate now hold their breath as the Russian army approaches Fort Al-Ma'harra.

[gord96]

This is good, keep it up.

PS: Attack those Russians while they are distracted

Thanks. Glad you enjoy it! And thanks for the advice.

[tuore]

Really interesting. Good work!

[gord96]

Really interesting. Good work!

Thanks! I enjoy your AAR's as well.

[gord96]

Infidel General Assassinated!

The raiding Russian army in Crimea was thrown into disarray as they advanced towards the vast iron mines of eastern Crimea when their commander, General Aleksandr Menshikov was killed as the Russian's camped.

Cheers resounded throughout the Khanate as people thanked God for striking down the "infidel general" before he could cut off Bakhchisaray from their iron supplies. Although information is sparse, rumors persist that he was found with his throat cut, leading most to believe it was an assassination. Khan Devlet denied that the Khanate had anything to do with the incident.

The now leaderless Russian raiders fled northeast across the Dnieper River, back into the Ukraine. The Khan's Home Guard pursued them and stopped just short of the river at the old Fort Safita.

Fort Safita

Tsar Pytor I declared the death of the general a tragedy for Russia and Kiev and promised Kievites that revenge against the heathen dogs would soon be theirs.

Khan Devlet I said that God was with the Khanate and that they would not bow to Russia, now or ever.

[Musthavename]

This is pretty good. It's got a nice refreshing style to it. Keep it up!

[gord96]

Khanate Forces Attack!

[Northeast Crimea]As spring came to Crimea this week the Khan's Home Guard attacked the small Russian force encamped across the Dnieper River, destroying the small army and bringing a much needed boost to morale across the Khanate. The attack came as a surprise to both the Russians and the people of Crimea, even though they had been crying out for revenge against Kiev and the Russian Empire for the raid last fall that left over thirty farms destroyed and over one hundred civilians dead.

Russian Artillery Positions

Khan Devlet declared the battle a great success and showed the skill of the Khanate forces as their casualties were relatively low while the Russian were slaughtered almost to the last man.

Khanate Troops Charge Across the River

The battle started tragically though as General Jahan Abbasi was slain by Russian artillery as the battle commenced. His second-in-command, Farrukh Atef, took command and skillfully led the assault across the river. The Cossack regiments clashed with Russian provincial troops, the same ones that raided Crimea the previous year. Although the Russian had artillery covering them, it wasnt long before they were routed and overrun.

Khanate Troops Assaulting

The victorious army crossed back over the river after the battle to the safety of Fort Safita to rest and refit. Khan Devlet promoted Atef to the rank of General and gave him command of the Khan's Home Guard after the battle.

Khanate Troops Overrun Russian Positions

The Ottoman Sultan expressed great happiness at the small nation's success and cautioned the Russian Empire to think before it acted in the future. The Russians were quiet with their words. Crimean News military analysts agree that the Russians are now in panic as their is now nothing but militia and provincial troops protecting Kiev and the Ukraine since the withdrawal of professional units to the Swedish front.

New General Farrukh Atef, Hero of the Dnieper Battle (FILE PHOTO)

Horde Bey, Suri Al Habash, expressed great saddness at the passing of General Jahan Abbasi, but went on to tell that the army was in good hands with General Atef.

Dying General Abbasi at the Battle of the Dnieper

[gord96]

Trade Agreements Boost Crimean Economy

[Bakhchisaray] Recent trade agreements signed this past month with Great Britain and the Maratha Confederacy have boosted the struggling economy of the Crimean Khanate.

Ghiyasuddin Madari, Chief Qaraci Bay

Trade delegations led by Chief Qaraci Bey, Ghiyasuddin Madari, have bore great fruit and helped alleviate the cost of the recent expenses that have weighed down the economy. Between the raising of new troops and the construction of improvments to government and military buildings, all necessary in the current war against the Russian Empire, the coffers were beginning to run dry according to some sources. Zadiruddin Shia-Agil, Mufti and the boss of the Khanates finances denies this and said last week that the new trade agreements only helped to grow the coffers to great new levels.

Zadiruddin Shia-Agil, Mufti

With several new forts constructed along the border with Russia throughout the summer it appears the Khan is taking a defensive position in the war with Russia. Some even say he is waiting for the right opportunity to sue for peace. While others insist that now is the time to strike, while Kiev is lightly defended and Russia's war with Sweden heating up. The Khan's Home Guard is stationed at Fort Harim, in striking distance of Kiev.

Khan's Home Guard Stationed at Fort Harim

[Asior]

Nice job!

I love the style. Kill those Russians!

[gord96]

Nice job!

I love the style. Kill those Russians!

Thanks man!

[gord96]

Kiev Falls. Russia Shocked.

Celebrations in the Khanate capital hit a fever pitch today as word spread that Kiev had fallen to the Khan's forces. The newly renamed Crimean Horde, under the command of General Farrukh Atef, blitzed into Ukraine from Fort Harim. The garrison under the command of General Ivan Mazepa, a Muscovy noble, met the advancing Khanate forces south of the city.

The Veterans of the 1st Orta Advancing on Kiev

The Russian forces were outnumbered and made up mostly of militia and provincial troops. Reports say the battle was fast but intense in the bitter winter cold. General Ivan Mazepa was killed during the clash.

Khanate Troops Firing Outside Kiev

The Crimean Khanate released the following statement to Crimean News, the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire soon after the city fell;

Today the noble forces of the Khanate of Crimea achieved a great victory. They have captured the infidel city of Kiev. The same city that spawned the raiders that burned our farms and killed our women and children. Now, the people of Kiev will learn that they cannot act with such recklessness and not expect the consequences that come with their actions. Let the boy Tsar fume in his palace in Moscow, but it was his arrogance that brought this. We can only pray that Russia has learned a lesson this winter of 1701.

Russian Troops Under Fire

With these strong words there is no doubt that the Russian have a severe situation on their hands. With the war in Sweden entering another bloody year, the fall of Kiev is a crushing blow.

General Atef Commands Amid the Carnage

The Ottoman Empire offered support after Poland-Lithuania declared war on the Khanate in response to the capture of Kiev and Ukraine. Many nobles in Bakhchisaray urged the Khan to now press for peace, using the Russians over extended situation to force them into submission. The Crimean News will monitor the situation very closely.

[Edward lV]

Damn, when i saw you title i thought there was a Crimean war mod out. Oh well, nice ARR.

[hanibalthegreat]

awsome AAR dude you get rep

[hanibalthegreat]

aw it wont let me rep it says i have given too much in the last 24 hours

srr dude..

[gord96]

hehe. thats ok. thanks anyways for the kind words!

[gord96]

Kharkov Burns as Russian Troops March

Ukraine in Flames

[Kiev] The people of Ukraine have had a rough spring and summer in this year of 1702. Dealing with their new rulers, the Khanate of Crimea, and being attacked, raided and killed by their former masters, the Russian Empire.

Since the capture of Kiev by the Crimean Horde last winter, there has not been much positive news for Ukrainians. The Khanate, though fair, rule with an iron fist. There is much hatred of Ukraine and its peoples in Crimea stemming from years of war and raiding. This had led to bloodshed at the slightest provocation at the hands of their occupiers.

Khanate Horsemen Charge a Peaceful Demonstration in Kiev

Perhaps the most upsetting and trying part of the Ukraine's woes is the violence visited on them by the Russian Empire. Under the command of the Tsar's cousin, Prince Anikita Ivanovich Repnin, a small but elite army of soldiers have been raiding across the countryside burning and looting everything they see. The Tsar, strapped for troops to send to reconquer Ukraine, has instead decided to destroy as much of it as he can to deny any resources to the Khanate.

Kharkov, Belgorod, Myrhorod and Oster are all names of small towns and farming communities that have been raped and pillaged by the Prince and his marauders. General Atef has vowed to stop the Prince, but so far the Muscovy noble has been elusive. It remains to be seen what the long term impact of these raids will be if the Russian Empire ever recaptures Ukraine.

[Asior]

Great updates!

Keep up them coming!