Repeated attempts by Red Russian forces to break the blockade around Murmansk have failed, and NATO spokesmen are calling Red losses "heavy". With the blockade now firmly in place, NATO opens a "Neutralization" phase, which is designed to eliminate Red Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) stockpiles and further reduces Red offensive options.

A high ranking Red leader warned NATO that such attacks could have "Grave consequences", and hinted that if threatened, the Red military will not hesitate to use such weapons.  However, NATO intelligence believes Red forces currently lack the means to deliver such weapons in large quantities, and are hoping to destroy them before they can be employed.

Elsewhere in Russia, Blue forces defeated Red troops near Moscow after fierce fighting.  The Red survivors were last reported to be fleeing northwards with Blue units in pursuit.