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During the reign of my father, Alexander III, Russia participated in no major wars and my father was known as the peacemaker. I have tried to live up to his legacy and always preferred the pen over the sword both internally and externally. Like every right-minded man, I am opposed to violent conflict in all forms and would do everything in my power to prevent this crisis from turning into a war. 

However, the reality is as clear as it is grim. The Habsburg Empire, opressor of the Orthodox Romanians and Serbians in its territory, has set its filthy gaze upon the innocent nation of Serbia. Serbia is being held responsible for a crime it clearly had no knowledge of, and it now is punished for nothing. If only it was for this Russia would condemn this invasion. But Serbia is our brother in faith and blood, and as our ties are closer - our reaction will be stronger. 

We henceforth consider ourselves at war with the Habsburg Empire. Our aim is just - We aim to save Serbia from Vienna's clutches that have for too long opressed our Slavic and Orthodox brothers within its borders, and this injustice too we will aim to end. God is with us, victory shall be ours!

-His Imperial Majesty, Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Finland.