Russia already faces a difficult land campaign when it can concentrate on Japan. A concurrent European war against Germany and Austria-Hungary would divide its attention and resources. The scenario takes place before the reforms that followed the historical Russo-Japanese War. Russian losses could consequently extend to territory in Europe as well as its position in East Asia. Fighting in Europe would increase the pressure on an unreformed force already struggling to sustain its campaign in East Asia.
Notable Point · 1:17:40-1:18:15
Russia facing two wars before its military reforms
German and Austro-Hungarian intervention would divide Russian resources before the reforms prompted by its historical defeat.