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On August 15, 1852, the Russian Army launched the second battle of Bulgaria, with the main force pouring out and launching an attack on the Allied Forces after crossing the Balkan Mountains.
Franz found it hard to understand why the Russians would risk everything in such a reckless way, without leaving a sufficient force to guard their supply lines. Incomprehensible as it was, he still had to clean up after them.
Austria needed the war to continue; only if the Russians and England and France were truly at each other's throats would the opportunity for Austria to advance west emerge.
Franz frowned and ordered, "Command the front-line troops to stand by. If the Allied Forces advance, pose as Balkan Guerrillas and help the Russians hold the line."
Were it not for the fact that Austria was a multi-ethnic state with a substantial number of minority troops, it would be difficult even to assist the Russians.
