by HunsRus » 22 May 2019, 21:53
I know this post is ancient, but here goes:
1) Germany and England cannot be allowed to ally. If that happens, you need to open north (which isn't ideal since most of your gains will come from the South). the best case scenario for Russia imo is a Sea Lion opening, then Germany has an incentive to allow Russia into Sweden in the Fall of 01 and England has an incentive not to antagonize you. The E/F alliance isn't as good an outcome since, though Germany should let you into Sweden, England also has an incentive to push East which isn't good for you.
2) Russia can have a solid long term alliance with any country in the East. You can ally with Italy and take out Turkey and Austria, ally with Austria and take out Turkey and then turn Westward, or ally with Turkey for a classic juggernaut (though I recommend a Black Sea bounce in the Spring to be on the safe side)