The Russian Government had ordered a new cruiser intended to be a torpedo boat destroyer from Schichau, of Elbing It was intended that it should have a speed of 25 knots, a length of 357 feet 6 inches, and a displacement of 3,000 tons. The vessel was to have a turret forward, protected by 2 inch Krupp plate armour, in which six 45-pounder guns were to be placed. The vessel was also to carry eight smaller guns, two Maxim machine guns, and six torpedo tubes.