And what of Russia? Pourtalès had presented Germany’s ultimatum to Sazonov just after midnight. At that point Sazonov said that Russia’s mobilisation could not be halted, for technical reasons. But he also said that Russia’s mobilisation is not like Germany’s, meaning that it does not have to lead to war.
The ultimatum’s deadline passes with no further reply. Pourtalès receives his instructions from Berlin and at the appointed time he calls again to see Sazonov. He asks again whether Russia can give a favourable reply to the ultimatum. Sazonov says no. Pourtalès asks again, emphasising that there will be serious consequences for non-compliance. Sazonov reaffirms his refusal a second time, and then a third. An emotional Pourtalès hands Sazonov the declaration of war. The two men embrace and then part.
Pourtalès collects his passports and makes preparations to leave St. Petersburg in the morning. Sazonov telegrams his ambassadors the news and then meets Buchanan and Paléologue for dinner.
image sources
Friedrich Pourtalès image source (Oriental Review: Who ignited First World War?)
Sergei Sazonov image source (Wikipedia)
World War 1 Live 
