The Baltics, The Recession, The Pressure Cooker of Europe: A Discussion of the Big Issues Facing the United Imperium Today

May 5, 2096

Baltic Freedom of Navigation Exercise Declared a Success

After a tense discussion between the Soviet Federation, Graveyard Fleet Representatives, and the multinational Baltic Task Force, it was announced that in exchange for a reduced military presence in the Gothenburg Protectorate, the Soviet Federation would withdraw their Line of Death in the Baltic Sea and treat the region as international waters. The Soviet withdrawal from the LoD declaration marks yet another successful Freedom of Navigation Operation for the United Imperium and her allies. President Regan declared the mission a tremendous victory:

I am very proud to announce to the American people that Freedom of Navigation in the Baltic Sea has been successfully restored. The United Imperium and the Coalition navies showed incredible courage in carrying out this operation. We have shown to the world that the right to free traversal on the high seas cannot and will not be infringed upon no matter where others may attempt to impose their will on the international community.

Pictured: United Imperium LHA Vessel Sailing Across Now-Defunct Soviet Line of Death As Part of Baltic Freedom of Navigation Exercise

Recession Worsens as Aviation and Subway Stocks Crash

With an OSC report coming out to blow the whistle on rampant speculation regarding the Imperium's Alliance of Subway Operators (which includes major companies like the Jersey Networking Organization and the Lambda Corporation), another wave of panic sales of stocks ensued, causing major devaluations in multiple critical stock indexes. With interest rates on the rise, massive layoffs across the economy, and reports of massive losses to American economic productivity, the United Imperium is in for a potentially disastrous economic position. While early information suggests that the government may be preparing for a massive bailout, nothing concrete has been announced by the government. The recession comes at an especially bad time, because the Imperium, under the Regan administration, has promised massive aid packages to new ally Belarus, as well as older allies Nebelystan, Escharia, and Cruzeiro. This has sparked massive protests throughout the United Imperium, as the people demand that the Regan administration halt these funding packages as soon as possible. In addition to the anti-globalist protests, a group of left-wing activists has staged a protest shutting down Banker's Bridge. Shutting down the Bridge has crippled the ability of the banks to operate, which could have drastic ramifications for the bank's ability to set up loans for one another. For those who say these loans can be set up digitally, these same left-wing activists staged a cyber-attack against multiple titans in the banking industry. If the banks cannot make these loans, the money supply will freeze up, leading to further drastic ramifications. In an attempt to keep cash flow alive, the government has started printing more money, although economists have warned that rampant inflation may be on the horizon if this is the case.

Pictured: Left-Wing Activists Shutting Down Banker's Bridge in Port Chicago

Imperium Analysts Discuss Upcoming War Between Melon, Escharia, Victoria

In recent years, Europe has become the world's battleground, with the centerpiece being the APSA-UEC, which resulted in a costly victory for the Soviet Federation and the rest of the UEC. The ensuing set of peace treaties that followed led to a couple of major events, the most critical of which are the Sedro-Soviet Split and the disassociation of the majority of Europe from the Soviet sphere. The fall of Uchama to Coalition forces has further shaken up the balance of power, and the aforementioned Freed of Navigation Operation and subsequent tensions in the Baltics have shown how biploar the world has become. 

All of this has culminated in a war between Escharia and Victoria and Melon. Though there were some concerns about the potential for escalation, all five superpowers have signed a treaty declaring that they will not interfere in this conflict. Smaller treaties have been signed with other nations to ensure that the only three combatants in this war will be Escharia, Victoria, and Melon. 

Pictured: Escharian Military Assets Make Preparations Ahead of Military Actions Against Melon

The most recent estimation for the Melonese military is that it is being wildly overestimated, given that it was functionally a non-factor in the APSA-UEC war. The understanding amongst current analysts is that the Melonese will likely be forced into using human wave tactics to overwhelm the Escharians and Victorians. Regarding the Escharians and the Victorians, both of them are somewhat unproven, but Escharia does have success as a result of the war against Uchama. Their occupation in Uchama may prove to be a valuable asset, as troops in that region could be used to open a second front against Uchama.

Ultimately, it is expected that this war, though limited, will be bloody, and will take a long time to complete. Will Melon be able to hold out, or will Escharia and Victoria overcome the sheer masses of Melonese troops and get a victory? Time will tell.