"Your Majesty, this is the latest battle report from the Eastern Front. The Russians are in for a real disaster this time!" Chief of the General Staff Iamia-Dimitiev brought Ferdinand bad news.
The Russians had chosen the worst possible time to lose. The war in Asia Minor was at a critical juncture; if the Russians suffered a major defeat ahead of schedule, Bulgaria's military pressure in the Balkan Peninsula would increase enormously.
Ferdinand asked with concern, "In your estimation, how much longer can the Russians hold out?"
After thinking it over, Iamia-Dimitiev said, "Judging from the current situation, the Russian defensive line could collapse at any moment. But they still have nearly five million troops. The Alliance cannot swallow them in a single gulp.
"Even if the Alliance wins, it still will not be able to extricate itself from the Eastern Front within two or three months. This time, the Russians may suffer a grave blow to their vitality.
"However, Russia has vast territory, abundant manpower, and enough strategic depth. As long as they are given sufficient time, they can still recover!"
Ferdinand nodded slightly. So long as the Russians did not collapse outright, it was acceptable. The Russian bear's sheer bulk was there for all to see; no matter how weakened they became, they could still tie down a great many Alliance troops.
After some thought, Ferdinand said coldly, "Activate the second plan. First occupy Sardinia and the Tuscan Archipelago, and prepare for a landing at Lido di Ostia. Once the Russians are defeated, we'll turn our knife on the Italians!"
Without question, Ferdinand intended to force Italy out of the war ahead of time, using Italy's surrender to offset the political disadvantage brought about by Russia's defeat!
Lido di Ostia was only a few dozen li from Rome.