PITV (Perejaslavlian Independent TV channel) today's news-block

We continue our reports on unprecedented acts which are still happening in the suburbs of city Liubech and capital Perejaslawl. Pogroms on "aliens" and "migrants" continue, with 15 victims dead, and more than 83 hospitalized with wounds of varying degrees; 7 patients are in critical conditions. Precise identity of bandits is not determined: Ministry of Internal Affairs had officially announced yesterday that these were "spontaneous attacks by local extremist groups", but witnesses report numerous sitings of people participating in pogroms who were previously seen in the ranks of the "People's Militia", a patriotic paramilitary organization established by the ruling GNGD party earlier this year, allegedly to "help local law enforcement agencies" and "aid in patriotic upbringing of the youth". These disturbing signs naturally raise the question about the level of government's involvement in current events. Today, Prime Minister had officially condemned the attacks, but the wording of his speech is somewhat ambiguous: he said that "this act of violence is an overreaction of some citizens in an attempt to solve certain important national issues." This, when viewed in context of recent parliament-enacted law concerning immigration, is extremely worrying; is the government really preparing to crack down on ethnical minorities and other "unpatriotic elements", a label recently coined by Minister of Edication Zdena Sidragina? Eevn more worrying is the fact that, despite all the condemnations, and obvious violation of the law, Perejaslawlian police, apparently, avoids confrontation with pogromschiks and generally stays out of areas where those atrocities happen. Is it because of some non-disclosed order, solidarity with those commiting crimes, or both? Either way, it is indeed a dark day for Perejaslawl, and perspectives are dim.

We will keep you informed of any further developments in our special edition news blocks every half an hour. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, in his personal apartments in palace, old knyaz Zlatimir talks to his son Veslav in a personal, tet-a-tet meeting"

"Yes, Veslav, what is it? Why all this... urgency? I am an old man, you know...

"Father, you perfectly well know why. You know what's being happening for the last few months, and now this... something must be done!

"Something? You ask me to come all this way to say that something must be done, Veslav? And what exactly, pray tell me, am I supposed to do?

"I don't know... but this is madness! We have madmen running this country, and ...

"Calm down, son. You're overreacting. Yes, they aren't particulary... pleasant people, and some of their policies are questionable ...

" ... some?!! But ...

"Please don't interrupt me, son. Ahem... so... where was I? Yes, not everything they do is fine with me, but they aren't unreasonable, they can compromise. And, what is more important, they have been elected by our people. You know the constitution: they represent the desires of the nation. I cannot get into their path, even if I personally disagree with them.

"It's not just what's happening inside the country, dad, even though that is dangereous enough by itself - have you seen the news? pogroms, it's absurd, it's impossible, it never happened before! But it's even worse: neighboring countries are getting worried, and I cannot blame them: once our new patriotic leader is done with opposition inside the country, he might very well turn his eyes towards their borders. If things will go further the way they do now, we face the risk of economic sanctions, and, potentially, "peacekeeping" operation with full-scale ground invasion.

"Nonsense!

"Yes? You should've payed more attention to reports from our Ministry of Foreign Affairs; even though they try to distort it for us as much as they can, it doesn't take long to see where this is all heading. Do you want foreign troops on our soil, father? We were proud that not a single enemy soldier put his foot on our land for centuries, but now... it might be that we - you and I - will be begging for them to do that, because it will be our only hope! Do you want that?!

"Well, I can meet with their leadership and probably we can figure something and ...

"Father! Haven't you been listening to me all that time? They won't listen to you: they are mad already, they have tasted blood and power and will only want more and more from now on, and you - what power do you have?

"That was exactly what I was trying to tell. What can I do, Veslav? You know the constitution. Our duty is to be the symbol of the nation, and lead the army, while politics are decided by the parliament; people know better. And you know that they did indeed win those last elections fairly.

"Elections? Dad, if it goes like that we won't have any more elections in this country anymore! Democracy? You know better than that... how many reporters were attacked and beaten in last months? Eh?

"I ...

"Yes, you are. You are afraid. You know just as well as I do what is going on, and where it will bring us all. A puppet ruler for a military nazist dictatorship - is that the dream of your whole life? Definitely not mine, father... No, it must be prevented. It's time for you to go out in the open and ...

"And do what, Veslav?"

The young knyazhich looked at his father with a piercing gaze, silent. Zlatimir shivered slightly, and then slowly closed his eyes.

"No. I cannot do that. You know. They will come after me on the instant, and they control the police and large parts of the army now. This means civil war. No. We must try to cooperate. Perhaps I can soften their stance, somehow ...

"Dad! Listen... remember when I was eight years old, I once told you that I don't want to be a ruler, and I complained about how many other countries don't have
kings, so why should we? And then you smiled sadly, and then told me that the reason why our country is still a monarchy - albeit a constitutional one - is that, in times of troubles, there should be a man ready and willing to take complete authority and accept full responsibility, and trained from birth to handle such a burden. Remember, you told me that such was our great responsibility - and honor. And you also said that you hoped that such time would never come... well, it did come, father! It is here. It is time for you to do what your duty is to do. Constitution, laws... it's all just words, their intent can be and was distorted. What matters is that our nation is in danger, our people are in danger. So, tell me, father: are you ready to accept your responsibility - and your honor?

"I ..."

The old knyaz stopped, then lowered his gaze, staring at the floor. For a minute there was silence in the room, the only sound of two men breathing. Then, the young man's face distorted in a grimace of disdain.

"So, it has come to that. So much for responsibility and honor, eh, father? Who would have thought... my dad, the one who taught me to bear myself with dignity and pride is a coward! But even so, father, I still remember your lessons. If you are unwilling to take the burden, then somebody else will have to - somebody trained to do so from birth..."

Knyazhich turned his back to his father and walked to the door, his step shaky. As he put his hand on the handle, his father suddenly spoke,

"Please... Veslav... just don't put yourself into trouble"

The young man turned around with a grim smile on his face,

"Too late, father. We all have already stepped into the well, and now we either drag ourselves out, or drown. There is no middle road anymore."

With these words, he stepped through the doorway, disappearing in the darkness of the corridor. Zlatimir looked at the place where he just stood, and sighed.

"Veslav... son... I am sorry... I am just too old for all this."

PITV (Perejaslavlian Independent TV channel) today's news-block

As the "civil unrest", as the ruling party prefers to call it, was "quelled by our police force" - our viewers, of course, know better that police mostly did not intervene, and the pogroms died out by themselves eventually - everyone has been waiting for the "measures to prevent further bloodshed", promised by the government. After more than a month of waiting, we now know what exactly was meant by those words - and I warn you, and the truth which we will bring to you now can be to horrendous for you to hear.

Yesterday, the ruling "Great Nation - Great Destiny" party had asked to converge the Great Veche to discuss a project of the law they have designed. The law, supposedly drafted "in response to a recent spike of ethnic violence" calls for "repatriation of certain alien nationalities" to "prevent further hostility and bloodshed between them and the core nation of Perejaslawl". Exact details of the bill are not yet known, as it is currently being debated by the Veche. Regardless, the information that we already have is enough to conclude: our country, lead by the GNGD party, had slipped into the horror depth of nazism. Knyaz Zlatimir, when informed this morning of the new proposed bill, was reportedly shocked and appaled. This was confirmed when his press office contacted us this day to relay his opinion on all this:

[Statement of knyaz Zlatimir of Perejaslawl]
"I am outraged that someone dared to propose such a despicable law. Our country has long been known for its cultural tolerance, despite its monoethnical essense, and now these mad people want to break that all, destroy the centuries of our ancestors' hard work with with a stroke of the pen! This is absolutely disgraceful. I would like to say that, if this bill will be passed by the parliament, I will absolutely refuse to sign it. I will not put my signature on a paper which ultimately destroys everything our country ever stood for."

While knyaz's reaction is the one you would expect from any decent man - and, indeed, many Perejaslawlians today feel the same - one thing especially interesting in his statement is his claim that he will refuse to sign the law if it will be passed (and, considering GNGD majority in the Veche, it will be a miracle if it won't pass). As we all know, knyaz doesn't have the word in legal matters - his signature is purely of traditional, ritual meaning, and he cannot legally refuse to sign an act of parliament. What could be the reprecussions of this act is yet to be seen.

The vote on the bill will happen this evening. We will inform you of the results immediately as they will be released. Stay tuned.

PITV (Perejaslavlian Independent TV channel) special report

Today, at 6:32pm, the Great Veche had voted in favor of the new law we had reported on earlier this day. The bill was sent to knyaz Zlatimir for signature. A reminder: it is customary that the monarch signs acts passed by the parliament in no more than three days after their passing. However, knyaz has stated this morning that he will not sign the bill. Veche deputies and GNGD officials whom we have managed to contact have refused to comment on his decision so far.

Meanwhile, in knyazhich Veslav's summer place in Liubech

Veslav rised from his chair and smiled, shaking hands with a man who just entered his cabinet.

"Good to see you, Ratsha. So, how is it going?

"All well and good, knyazhich. We've managed to gather some more people to our side, although I'm not sure how much we can trust some of them. Either way, so far we've got more than three thousand reliable people here in Liubech, and a thousand and a half in Chernigov, every single one of them armed. We even managed to smuggle some of those brand new A-91 from the army storehouse - there are some of our people there as well.

"Good. That should be enough for the first stage of our plan. What about the capital?

"It's more complicated there, unfortunately. We cannot increase our presence there more without risking being exposed - they have a large spy network there. I'm afraid we won't have enough people to stage a full-scale insurgency in the capital.

"So, we'll have to besiege the city once we get to it, then. I was afraid of it... but I guess nothing can be done about that, hmm? Too bad... I wish we had more time to prepare, but the way things are going now, we don't have any more chances. With this new law, and my father refusing to sign it - dammit, why did he decide to take his head out of the sand when it's too late already! - we will lose initiative if we don't act now. Foreign governments must have some entity opposing the GNGD to negotiate with, which has at least some validity to its claims as a legal government; if we won't provide it to them, military intervention is imminent. I just hope and pray it won't be too late.."

11:37, PITV main studio in Perejaslawl city

Karina was standing on the balcony, smoking; it was twenty minutes to the next news block, so she didn't have much time left. And that was quite a hard one - at 12:00, the time traditionally given to the monarch to sign decrees passed by the Veche would run out, and noone really knew what would happen next. Knyaz seems to be pretty firm in his decision, and GNGD parliamentaries definitely won't like it. So, whatever happens, it will be reported and televised live... and she will have direct it all from the studio. One hell of a job.

Her thoughts were distracted once again by a loud rattle of a chopper flying past high above the building. She looked up for a moment, annoyed; this damn thing was flying back and forth for what, half an hour already? What is it doing here, anyway? There isn't any heavy traffic nearby, and besides, the thing looks a bit too large for a police chopper.

The chopper got away, its rattle deadening, and her thoughts jumped back to politics. So, where were we?.. GNGD, being what they are now, practically the party controlling everything, would not tolerate open opposition. But what can they do? Pretend that nothing happened and simply enforce the law? Won't work, the only reason they've got away with all their past laws was their legitimacy as elected government, but to ignore the knyaz means to ignore the constitution. Force him? Yes, that might be closer... but how? Force of arms? Again this would be a breach of the law. And what if...

The rattle became louder again. More than slightly annoyed now, Karina turned around to see the chopper flying back. This time it was going pretty low, and as it come close, she recognized it as Mi-8 - she'd seen these things before when she did a news report from the Army excercises... Army?! Yes, the chopper was painted in dark greenish military color... and it was going straight at the building. Just like at those excercises, when choppers like that one blew up "enemy targets" - decoys of tanks and bunkers - with their missiles. This time, it was no decoy, though. As she climbed on the railing, she saw a small flash at one of that thing's gunports, and, without further hesitation, jumped down.

She only reached the second floor when the building behind her exploded in a mess of fire, concrete, glass, and scorched human flesh.

Balkans News Network Reports:

"*BREAKING NEWS*

We are just recieving unconfirmed reports here at Balkans News Network centre that the PITV (Perejaslavlian Independent TV channel) Headquarters in Perejaslawl, has according to eyewitnesses reports, been "attacked by Perejaslawl Army helicopters." That's an unconfirmed report, but this report by eyewitnesses is that "Perejaslavian Independent TV Channel has just been attacked by a Perejaslavian Army helicopter.

The Television station known to be critical of the new Perejaslavian government and it's polices, is now reported by other eyewitnesses to be "Off Air".

The news is still coming in, so please bare with us..."



Official statement by Mostarvian Government to Perejaslavian Government:

I demand to know what has happened here, in your own words. Explain yourselves. It better be good.

President Lodovic of Mostarvia

12:01, Knyaz Zlatimir's country palace

"You have come to do what??"

Berest looked coldly at the Gostidrag Bezhanov, captain of Palace guard and head of Royal security, who was staring at him with bewilderment and disbelieft, and repeated:

"We came to arrest knyaz Zlatimir. Here's the paper."

Captain took the paper with shaking hands, and started reading. In a few seconds, he raised his eyes, this time disbelief and anger intermixed in his stare. Berest and his two companions watched him with apathetic look.

"You want to arrest knyaz on charges of exceeding his commission, conspiracy to overthrow the legitimate government, and treason?? You are mad!

"Calm down, captain, and think about it a bit. You've got the orders from a legitimate government - that's as high as it can get. Disobeying them equates to mutiny, in this case probably in addition to treason. This means court-martial, and without doubt death sentence. Are you sure your loyalty to the royal family stretches that far? Perhaps we could ...

"How dare you!"

When sounds of gun fire and bullets hitting flesh stopped, Berest looked at the bullet-riddled body lying on the floor with an expression of slight respect. Enemy or not, but captain was a very good, skilled professional - when he saw the barrels of 9A-91s pointed at him, he not only managed to snap out his pistol, but was fast enough to almost pull the trigger. Almost...

"You were a brave man, but you were a fool, captain. If you cooperated, you wouldn't die, and neither would your men. But now we'll have to do it the hard way."

Finishing his one-sided conversation with the corpse, he turned around and walked to the nearest window. He draw the curtains open, and nodded to himself as he saw a Mi-24 hovering above. A few worried guards have already come out of the building, pointing at the chopper and arguing heavily. Berest turned away from the window and switched on his transmitter.

"First stage complete. Proceed according to plan B.

"Confirmed. Commencing plan B."

As he turned back to the window, the chopper suddenly started moving. In one swift go, it went past the roofs of the left wing of the palace, where the palace guard was stationed. Next second, the whole left part of the building collapsed in a brownish-grey, expanding fireball of bomb explosion. A second chopper came in, this time Mi-8; it didn't attack, but instead glided to the courtyard, and slowly hovered down, troops in "People's Militia" uniforms jumping out of it as soon as it hit the ground, scattering around the place. Soon, the rattle of chopper engines was amplified by the sound of assault rifles firing in unison.

12:37, knyazhich Veslav's summer place in Liubech

"Knyazhich, it has started! We've got reports of gunfire in the capital. Seems like they've bombed PITV station there."

Veslav leaped up from the bed, looking at Ratsha standing in the doorway with disbelief.

"What?? So early? We estimated they wouldn't go out in full force in at least few days!

"Well, seems like someone's got too impatient. But this is not all. There's also ..."

Ratsha stopped, pondering somethign for a moment.

"What is it, Ratsha? Speak!

"It seems.... it seems that we've lost all contact with the palace. Without any explanation. I'm afraid ...

"Yes. I see. They've got my father. Damn... but I suspected as much. Earlier, he didn't confront them, believing in 'cooperation', and now it was too late. They won't... shouldn't... hurt him, though. They can't just kill the ruling monarch. Right? Ratsha?

"I... hope so, Veslav. But these people... they are madmen, you know that. They are unpredictable.

"Damn you, Ratsha! You always know how to comfort... hah. Bastards. I swear, when this is over, I will personally see to it that their heads are stuck on the pikes on city central square!

Ratsha was silent for a while, then gave a faint cough.

"Yes, what is it?

"Veslav, the enemy attacks openly. It is time. We should go out now - or never. Your order?

"You know it all, Ratsha - after all, you planned half of it all together with me. first squad - TV station, second squad - police station, third squad - city hall. The rest scatter and clean out the streets. Tell soldiers to start gathering; we're moving out in half an hour."

"Yes, knyazhich!"

18:03, PITV station in Liubech

Hello, this is Nadezhda Serebrenina, here to tell you the latest news from the battle fronts.

After two weeks of heavy fighting, Royalist forces under command of major Gromoboy Kurbatenko had liberated Mozhinevsk from Republican milita yesterday's evening; we had finally received confirmation of this half an hour ago, together with some video shots apparently taken by one of the locals. Take a look at this exclusive material.

[Whoever is holding the camera is standing on one of the main city streets. No people are seen, but there are some bodies dressed in uniform scattered around a burnt APC. Camera pans, showing image of a nearby building, glass in one of its windows shattered, and scorched marks around it; apparently, it was hit by a grenade launcher. Further to the left are some shell-holes in the ground, and nearby a half-torn body, in civilian cloths, can be seen.]

Witnesses report that, as Royalist army advanced to the city centre, pushing the militia out to the outskirts of the city, the Republicans tried to use mortars in an attempt to slow the enemy's advance; in urban environment, it resulted in many civilian casualties, although exact numbers are not yet known. If you have any relatives living in or around Mozhinevsk, you may call 240-01-01 to get additional information. Note that the lists of survivors, dead and missing are being constantly updated and revised, so if you don't get the information you need, don't despair, and try again a bit later.

Meanwhile, the situation in Boronezh takes an unexpected turn. We remind that Boronezh was one of the first cities liberated by knyazhich Veslav's forces three weeks ago, and is the place where four days ago the Republican government sent Perejaslawlian 5th Division, led by general Ladislav Lustigneev believed to be loyal to GNGD, to destroy the Royalist forces occupying the city. However, after surrounding the city, this morning general Ladislav denounced his former superiors, and pledged allegiance to knyazhich Veslav, joined by most of his troops. While no official information is available about general's current whereabouts, our sources in the army had told us that he is on his way to Luibech to meet knyazhich personally.

Oh... we just received information that, three minutes ago, Republican forces have apparently left the town of Slavigrad in haste, and now Royalist army is preparing to take it under control. Our anonymous source from whom we've got this news speculated that GNGD is strengthening the defences of the capital, probably worried by defection of general Ladislav and the 5th Divison, which is a sizeable part of Perejaslawlian army.

In other news, eyewitnesses from the border of Perejaslawl report that today, GNGD military choppers had attacked and completely destroyed two more refugee caravans trying to cross the border of Perejaslawl and escape in direction of Gurich. There are no recordings, so it's hard to estimate the number of civilian casualties, but it seems to be no less than 60 dead and wounded. We will return back to this event once we get more detailed information, which is likely to happen in the next few minutes.

Situation in Perejaslawl is also being heavily debated in emergency regional summit dedicated specifically to this problem. Darko Lalovic, Prime Minister of Srpska Kosovo, had announced that ...

[STATION WENT OFF-AIR]

17:32, Royalist army underground C&C

"Goj esi, Veslav!

"Yes, it's good to see you here with us, Ladislav. Long time no see. Since the Academy.

"Yes, it seems that you've learnt my lessons well, Veslav. Taking 30% of the country in just three weeks, without heavy artillery or aviation - even I would say that is impressive. Congratulations."

Knyazhich suddenly grew serious.

"Yes... But first, Ladislav, you have a lot to explain. We all thought you've sold out to GNGD, although I have to admit that I had a hard time believing in that. But your silent approval of their actions, and your occasional speeches in support of "strong national policy" were convincing enough. And now... now this. Why?

"It's more complicated than you think. When they first came into power, just after the elections, I didn't mind it... in fact, I liked what they had to say. It is true that our culture has become to deteriorate, Veslav, and that is why they had won. But then, it became clear that people in their top are ambitious... too ambitious. That's when I started to get wary. Last year had proved without doubt that all my suspicions were true. Frankly, I expected something similar to what actually happened sooner or later, and then realised that the army will get involved. So, I decided to stay, faking my loyalty - those speeches you mention - and be ready to act when the time came. But they did it first, when they arrested your father and declared the republic. It was a strike against me as well - everyone knows that I have always had good relations with Zlatimir, and more than a few of GNGD were suspicious of me when he tried to oppose them; I hardly managed to convince them otherwise.

"I see. But if that is what you say, I don't understand why they've send you - a potentially unreliable general - to lead the strike against us here?

"Ah... you're right, they wouldn't, if they had a choice. But they don't. You see, once the republic was declared, many officers, especially those who owed their position to your father, resigned. After a week, when it became clear that this "antiterroristic operation", as they continue to name it, turns out to be a war against the people, quite a few more left, especially from high-rankind command staff. Some were arrested for "treason" in revenge, of course, but you don't do that to a man and then let him command your armies. So, fact is, they still have the manpower, but they are critically short on commanding officers. That's why they sent me - this breakthrough was considered too important for someone unexperienced to handle, and they didn't have any alternative.

"Oh, is it truly so? That would explain a lot of things... I was wondering recently, why don't they start a full-scale assault? We've been acting in the open for quite some time now, and I had expected them to try to crush us once and for all with all the forces they have, but nothing like that happened. So, it's because noone's there to lead the assault...

"Yes, exactly. And I can tell you one more thing: with me changing sides, they must've become really desperate. It's no secret that many soldiers, when thrown into combat against your forces, either desert or change sides, so morale is rather low... they might have men, but only a few of them they can trust. They began to realise that if the war is going to be like that - ground skirmishes with occasional air support by gunships - they will inevitably lose. That's why I'm afraid they will resort to bombings.

"Bombings? Ladislav, are you sure? Ambitious as they are, they have to understand that if they start mass-murdering civilians, whatever support they still have will dissipate, and they will be overthrown by their own men? I thought about bombings, of course, as they control the only air force base, but I predicted they wouldn't get that far until we corner them by besieging the capital, and by then I hoped to take over the air base. But now?

"Unfortunately, yes. You still underestimate their support. It seems that more than a few realised that, if they help GNGD to hold their power now, they will have all the rewards they can dream of, and take important positions in their organisation. Their "People's Militia" is not large, but they are fiercely loyal to their commanders. They cannot control the whole country, but they definitely can control the capital. And GNGD has got tired of you, Veslav. You have proven to be a tough opponent to them, but if you die, resistance will crumble and fall. They don't know where your C&C is, but they know it's under the city - and they know it won't survive the firebombing.

"Firebombing?!! But... "

A man rushed into the room, his face distorted in an expression of horror.

"Knyazhich! Our observers have spotted several Su-24 heading towards the city! They will be here in a few minutes!

"Are you sure it's not just a recon flight?

"No. Too many of them. Besides... bombers on recon?

"I see."

Veslav turned back to the general.

"So, this is it? Or are they just bluffing, trying to scare us into doing something stupid?

"I don't know. I'd say it's still too early for that, unless someone back in the capital really panicked over my defection... which might happen - they aren't particulary easy-tempered. But either way, it doesn't seem like a good idea for you to stay here to see for yourself. We should move out immediately.

"But... what about the city There are 150,000 people here!

"Well... you can try to warn some of them. But I'm afraid it's too late. Frankly, we will be lucky if we get out of here in one piece. If it is really the attack, than those few planes they've spotted are just the first wave. There will be more.

"Damn it! They will pay for that, I swear, they will pay. Sidrag!"

"Yes, sir?

"Tell the others: we're evacuating. All forces are to leave the city immediately. GNGD is going to bomb the place. We cannot stay.

"Y-yes, sir.

The ceiling above them jumped and shaked, dropping dust and stones on their heads.

"So, it has begun.
You will pay."

Official warning to GNGD leaders in Perejaslawl

With the agreement of Balkan nations, the air space of Perejaslawl has been declared no-fly zone. Any aircraft attempting to violate the decision will be immediately hunted down, as it happened earlier today.

Your air capabilities are clearly insufficient to match ours. Spear the lives of your pilots and keep your planes at the ground.

If you will repeatedly disrespect the no-fly zone we will attack and destroy your airports.

There will be no second warning.

end of transmision

12:02, Mozhinevsk, one week after the bombing

... in other news, Republican forces continue their retreat to the capital. We have numerous reports of mass desertion of soldiers from divisions of Republican army staged away from Perejaslawl city, and many deserters surrender to advancing Royalist forces and join their ranks. Our reporters managed to interview one of these converts:

"There are frequent allegations that GNGD suppresses truth and spreads disinformation among their soldiers. Is it true?

"Yes, absolutely. They've been telling us that 'citizen Veslav Luboyarov' is a leader of a coup against the legitimate government, and that rebels shoot anyone who refuses to swear fealty to knyazhich in occupied cities. There were even photos. They also shown us videos of how the rebels 'sack and pillage captured cities' and 'rape and then murder woman'. It was pretty... convincing at that time.

"And what is your opinion on that now?

"Well, I can see that it was all propaganda and fake evidence. I definitely didn't see anything even remotely similar here, not even signs, and this is one of the first cities to be taken by your... our... forces.

"And what exactly made you join knyazhich Veslav's army?

"Well... you see, as you've said, the information is generally suppresed back there in the capital, but some rumors always leak through, and people have been saying it's not really as bad here as GNGD would like us to believe. And then there was the bombing - that's when most of us deserted. It wasn't officially announced, of course, they merely said something about 'using shock air strike to suppress enemy's ground forces'. But there were too many people who seen that, and the story - the real story - started to circulate around. In a few days it became clear that the rumor was true, there was simply too many witnesses to not believe it. There were even photos. That's when I started to ask questions to myself: who are we working for? what are we fighting for? And then, when they sent us on a reconnaissance mission near Luibech, I've seen it with my own eyes. I ran away from the camp the night after that.

"Thank you for your time."

Meanwhile, Royalist forces continue their advance, slowly encircling the capital. Today, their command officially reported that 70% of country's territory is abandoned by retreating enemy, and about 50% is under control of knyazhich Veslav's administration. Knyazhich had stated recently that the current goal is to retake control over territory near the border, to allow refugees to safely get to their homes.

Fighters from air forces of Tolomakia and Mostarvia continue to patrol the air space of Perejaslawl, ensuring the safety of people of Perejaslawl from GNGD bombings. PAF bombers didn't attempt to take off since the last time, when Tolomakian X22 fighters attacked and destroyed 8 Su-25 bombers in the air, and then, in the dogfight that followed, managed to take down 4 Su-37 fighters covering the bombers, and severy damage the other six, before the enemy retreated. It is as of yet unclear whether this is due to decision of the Republican government to avoid further confrontation, or because the airstrip was not yet repaired from the severe damage dealt to it and surrounding buildings by Tolomakian air strike which followed shortly after the air fight.

Official Warning to GNCD leaders in Perejaslawl:

Any attempt made by your forces to aerial intercept the enforcers of the no fly zone over Perejaslawl or to break the no fly zone rule shall be responded to with overwhelming force upon the perpetrator, and air bases.

You have been warned. Take heed, or take punishment.

The Government of Mostarvia

14:21, Perejaslawl city

"Down!!! Get down!"

They all managed to do that in time, crouching behind the car wreck as machinegun burst whizzed above their heads. They listened to the sound of bullets ricocheting from the car as the enemy gunner criss-crossed the air with hot lead.

"Where is he?

"Second window of the next building, just above the entrance, sir.

"Think we'll get him with the rifles?

"Hardly. He's got some good cover there.

"Got it. Velko, you've heard it. Take him out with your grenade launcher. Slavuta, Chtislav - cover him ... go!"

Velko didn't bother looking at the guys who were covering him with short bursts from AEK-971s. He moved his hand on the pivot to the second trigger of his A-91, raised calmly, aimed, and pulled the trigger, kneeling as the recoil pushed him back. A moment later, a flower of fire and smoke grew out of the window where the machinegunner's nest was.

"Nice shot, Velko! You've got that nazi bastard, that's for sure. Now, let's go, we don't have much time - orders are to advance to the Great Hall by the end of this day. Move out!"

10:01, Mozhinevsk
PITV news report

... fighting still continues in some parts of the capital, however, most of the city is under control by the Royalist forces. The remains of the elite squadron of "People's Militia" defending the parliament building, Great Hall, surrendered about three hours ago. This has not been officialy confirmed yet, but apparently, most high-ranking GNGD members were captured alive, and are now being transferred to a more secure place, in preparation for a trial. There are still remaining "People's Militia" forces scattered around the capital, but they are disorganized, outnumbered and outgunned, and do not pose any significant threat to our forces. In other words, this war is finally over.

Meanwhile, we have received more information about the condition of knyaz Zlatimir, who was found alive but under home arrest in his country Palace during its liberation two days ago. Apparently, knyaz's health was significantly undermined by his imprisonment and other events which happened in the country. He was visited by his son, knyazhich Veslav, yesterday; the meeting was private, but our sources in the palace say that the topic of the meeting was planned Zlatimir's abdication in favor of Veslav.

ooc: Great posts, well done.

IC:

Balkans News Network Reports:

The Mostarvian President, President Lodovic, has today welcomed the seemingly end to the civil war in Perejaslawl, saying that it would hopfully 'mark and end to atrocities commited in the nation, and indeed in The Balkans" and that "The unificated efforts of nations to cease this horror should never be forgotten, and history shall look at the efforts of the nations to help stop the genocide shall be looked upon proudly"

President Lodovic went on to say that the enforcing of the no fly zone would contine until the legitimate Perejaslawl government requested that this should be ceased.

OOC: Thanks, I hope it wasn't that bad for a first RP. Actually, I was planning it to be a bit more detailed, but I don't have much free time recently (uni exams and all that), and it takes quite a bit of time to write those long posts and make sure they are consistent with earlier ones.

IC: As legitimate government in Perejaslawl is now back in power, and the Air Force base is under control, we hereby officially request the governments of Tolomakia and Mostarvia to discard the no-fly zone and withdraw their military planes from our air space.

* Personal letter from knyaz Veslav to leaders of Tolomakia and Mostravia expressing his gratitude to leaders of those countries for helping him and his people in hard hour attached