Good point. If Russia is restricted then the strategy becomes a little more conservative. In this case Russia must hold Karelia at all costs. If this means giving the Germans the Caucasus then so be it. It is helpful if Russia uses its transport to pick up some British infantry to help out the defense. The Causcasus should be defended but not with more than 6 or 7 infantry and definately with no tanks or fighters.

The hunker down stragety just does not work if you are playing against a smart Axis team. Russia can be totally crippled in 6-8 rounds if both Germany and Japan attack hard. Besides, Russia can afford to attack Germany the first round because the Allies can fly in several fighters and ship in troops to help defend Karelia if needed. Russia should be able to take out the Ukraine and destroy some German troops with minimal losses and only place one infantry in the terrritiory in order to not lose any other troops. Russia would also receive 3 extra ipc’s and forces Germany to divert some forces to retake the territory back.