It takes too long for fleets to get into the Med. In the South, Russia rarely becomes a major naval power. How you play the middle game will depend, but try to play to your strengths. (They need your centres for the same reason). In order to win, you will eventually need the lode of supply centres controlled by either Austria or Turkey. There is always an odd one out - someone for you to do business with. They may all be potential foes, but rarely do they work together. The great thing about Russia's Southern front is that you have the potential for deals with Italy, Austria and Turkey. It may be possible to negotiate a deal, and maybe even an alliance with Turkey, but be very careful. You don't want them to have it in Spring 01 because that gives them leverage on Rumania, but at the same time, you don't want a full-on Turkish attack via Armenia as well. Ultimately you won't be able to prevent them acquiring the Black Sea. Russia-Italy is quite a powerful combination in the middle game, so don't burn any bridges with them unless you have to. Italy may also prove to be a useful ally to you. Austria will want to ally with Italy, but Turkey will be actively trying to enlist Italy as an ally against Austria. Austria is well aware of the threat you pose, but they are equally aware of the Turkish threat. A situation which calls for real diplomatic effort. The South is make or break territory for Russia.
With England, you are trying to attain some stability in the North, so you can free up resources in the South. It lowers their potential for offensive action later. Wouldn't England prefer a peaceful demarcation of the Scandinavian territories? Try to get them to agree to take Norway with a fleet. You don't really want to do this, because it will leave the South too vulnerable, but it is a useful negotiating tool. You have the power to frustrate that by moving Mos-Stp, then Stp-Nor for a stand-off. At game start, England's safest bet for a build is Norway.
They should be amenable to a DMZ over Sileseia in return for providing unopposed access for the St Petersburg fleet into Sweden. They'll have enough problems there without looking to open a front with you. Germany will be looking for growth in the Low countries and Denmark. Initially, you should find it easy to negotiate a deal with Germany. Two builds will give you the momentum to become a major contender. One build will ensure you remain a viable contender. Russian diplomacy should be targeted to ensure at least one build in the first year. (No prizes for guessing the object of Turkish diplomacy) You also face an immediate point of conflict with Turkey over control of the Black Sea. Russia can't even be sure of a build in year one, since Germany and Austria can easily deny you the obvious neutrals of Sweden and Rumania. To make matters worse, your initial position is quite precarious. It not only starts with one more unit than any of the other Great Powers, but the amount of real-estate it takes up on the map makes Russia look dangerous to the others - a serious diplomatic disadvantage. Russia begins the game with a psychological disadvantage.