Establishing Diplomatic Contact with Russia

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Andrey Kozyrev @HeadlessSeeker

Cc:

Subject: Establishing Diplomatic Relations

Security Level: Private and encrypted

Salutations and felicitations to the Honorable Andrey Kozyrev,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation,

Ukraine and Russia have always possessed similar--yet separate--cultural identities, of which they ought both be proud. Common slavic roots tether the two autonomous states together more closely than Ukraine or Russia can ever be with other world powers. While the sometimes-violent historical context of this international relationship should never be dismissed, the independent Republic of Ukraine seeks a peaceful future with its neighboring states and therefore requests more open communications with Russia. More specifically, the Republic of Ukraine would like to better understand Russia's hopes for itself in the Post-Soviet era and its desired role on the world stage.


Awaiting your reply with interest,

Borys Tarasyuk
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ukraine

 

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To: Borys Tarasyuk @GingeOrCringe

CC: Boris Yeltsin

Greetings and Salutations to Borys Tarasyuk,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ukraine

It is good to see that Ukraine wishes to approach us and foster peaceful friendly relations, especially following the collapse of previous administrations. I say this with the utmost sincerity, that Ukraine is not alone in this want. The Russian Federation wishes to have peaceful and friendly relations with the Ukraine. As agreed by Boris Yeltsin and Leonid Kravchuk when they disolved the Soviet Union we wish to have Ukraine to have it's self determination, and will look out for Ukraine's best interests. This is not something we see as changing in the future.

We would however like to formally reopen trade and the use of embassies. Not only that, but we would like to visit the possibility of opening up the borders between Ukraine and Russia for the ease of economic pursuits. In broad terms, we wish to deepen the relationship between Russia and the Ukraine in a positive fashion.

From: Andrey Kozyrev

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Andrey Kozyrev @HeadlessSeeker

Subject: Re: Establishing Diplomatic Relations

Security Level: Private and encrypted

Recognition of Ukraine’s indefeasible and antecedent right to self-determination has certainly been a small step towards improved relations. Consequently, Ukraine would be willing to conduct trade with its northern neighbor. Was there any particular product you were interested in buying or selling? Ukraine can offer timber, foodstuffs, non-ferrous metals, petroleum products, and natural gas.

As stated in the previous email, Ukraine considers open communications vital to maintaining peace. The use of embassies and consulates is a must.

We ask for clarification on your request for “opening up the borders.” Customs inspections are quite necessary deterrents against drug smuggling and human trafficking, they also help protect natural resources from invasive species. Both Ukraine and Russia benefit from border control, so perhaps there is a misunderstanding on our end...

On a final note, I would respectfully request you refer to Ukraine either by its full formal name—the Republic of Ukraine—or simply as Ukraine. We consider “the Ukraine” to be inappropriate as we are not a region within a larger country. Ukraine is not an oblast. Ukraine is not a satellite state. Ukraine is an independent republic. We are thankful for our autonomy, as it has allowed us to freely choose to open communications with Russia.


Sincerely,

Borys Tarasyuk
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ukraine

 

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To: Borys Tarasyuk @GingeOrCringe

CC: Boris Yeltsin

Greetings and Salutations to Borys Tarasyuk,


Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ukraine

The Russian Federation would be interested in the importations of timber, foodstuffs, and non-ferrous metals. In return we can export to Republic of Ukraine Crude Petroleum, Refined Petroleum, Natural Gas, Coal, and Semi-Finished Iron. We can conduct trade through the use of roads and our railways. However, in regards to railways there is an issue regarding security we would like to ave addressed. We would like to option to escort trains with trade goods with our armored train force. Both your trains, and our trains for that matter as trains are a tempting target for terrorists.

We are merely suggesting a streamlining of the process at the border as to open up economic opportunities. Keep established border check points, but stream line the process for Russian Federation Citizens and Republic of Ukraine Citizens. We can establish a joint effort to control and maintain the border. Not only that but establishing a policy in regards to tariffs between our two nations. A no tariffs and no non-tariffs policy between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine. We can also establish a common joint tariff for goods imported from countries outside of Ukraine and Russia so as to make the situation on imports fair for both of us and encourage citizens to seek imports from within our two nations.

Here is an example. Lets say a Russian entrepreneur wants to import Ukrainian grain into Russia for sale. He has to go through customs and pay the associated fees and his effort to do business between Russia and Ukraine is slowed and discouraged. But lets say we implement this policy. He suddenly does not need to worry about being halted that long at customs, nor does he need to worry about tariffs not making it worth it. So he comes back over and over again to buy Ukrainian grain and sell it in Russia. On the other hand this would benefit the Republic of Ukraine in that you would see cheaper oil and energy prices across the board. A Ukrainian company can buy and sell Russian oil without tariffs discouraging them or going else where. All in all, this would encourage economic commerce between our two nations.

I believe this could be an experiment for a concept that would see the possible inclusion off all of our neighbors.

What do you think? What are your concerns?

From: Andrey Kozyrev

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Andrey Kozyrev @HeadlessSeeker

Subject: Re: Establishing Diplomatic Relations

Security Level: Private and encrypted

To Andrey Kozyre,

While we have sympathy for those states impacted by the recent terror attacks, we have no reason to believe such an incident would occur on Ukrainian soil. The Republic of Ukraine is a neutral country. As an independent state, it has only participated in one defensive war. It seems unlikely that Ukraine would have alienated any party to the point of provoking a terrorist attack. Given Russia’s international relations, we understand why security is of greater concern to you.

Ukraine does not want Russian citizens to feel threatened while doing business in Ukraine. However, the Constitution of Ukraine (art. 85, §23) states that it is the exclusive power of parliament to approve the admittance of foreign armed-forces into Ukrainian territory. Unfortunately, I cannot see the suggested arrangement being approved in the immediate future. Likewise, we would respectfully decline an economic union. Just under five years ago, an overwhelming majority of Ukrainian citizens voted to leave a similar institution which did not respect our sovereignty or our culture. The Ukrainian government must obey the mandate of its people.

This does not completely eliminate the possibility of such arrangements in the future. These are simply ideas to be revisited at a later date, once foreign relations between the independent Republic of Ukraine and the Russian Federation have progressed in a more positive direction. For now, Ukraine would lower its tariffs to $25,000 per shipment of foodstuffs, $50,000 per shipment of timber, and $100,000 per shipment of non-ferrous metals.

With these economic matters completely settled and agreed upon, I would like to make a suggestion: Ukraine is a country that places emphasis on education and communication. We believe a student exchange program would greatly benefit Ukraine as well as Russia. The Republic of Ukraine would issue student visas lasting six months to one year. We would allow for Russian citizens to attend Ukrainian universities at the same cost as Ukrainian citizens--provided they have already completed one academic year of collegiate level schooling in their home country. Such a program would foster cultural understanding and friendship between Ukrainian citizens and Russian citizens. What are your thoughts on this?


Borys Tarasyuk,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Ukraine

 

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To: Borys Tarasyuk @GingeOrCringe

CC: Boris Yeltsin

Recent terror attacks? Oh, I am afraid you misunderstand. What I refer to are not the recent attacks in the US, England, and Spain. I am referring to the chronic issues in regards to the Chchens. They are very likely to target railways as well as other traditional targets. While yes, theybwould not target the Republic of Ukraine specifically, I am afraid that they might decide to target Russian assets while they are outside our protection. However, I understand concerns this might bring and will thus request something different. That you allow us to gift Ukraine armoured escoirt trains for the trade of goods.

I understand also the hesitance in regards to the economic policy proposal. However, I can assure you what we are suggesting is very different then what the Soviet Union was. The Republic of Ukraine would get to keep both its culture and sovereignty. However, once more I do see how it could be misunderstood as being al 'plot' to take both away. We simply wish to build relations both economically and diplomatically.

For now however until the situation changes, we will go with a traditional trade deal.

My thoughts on student visas are that they are a great idea. In return Russia can do the same in return offering student visas under the same conditions to Students from the Republic of Ukraine. It would be a great oppertunity for both Russians and Ukrainians alike. In fact, I believe this is a program that we can see expanded upon if it is successful enough to warrant it. Details of which can be discussed down the line.

From: Andrey Kozyrev

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Andrey Kozyrev @HeadlessSeeker

Subject: Re: Establishing Diplomatic Relations

Security Level: Private and encrypted

I’m thankful for your correction, as this would be of much greater relevance than the acts of terror committed in the US, England, and Spain. If you have tangible evidence that Chechen attacks on Russian assets in Ukraine are of great concern, then Ukraine will take action to protect the people and assets of its sister nation. This would be in the form of limited visas. Terrorists will be less likely to gain admittance into Ukraine and cause harm if they must go through several filtration processes. Since Ukraine does not recognize Chechnya as an independent state—but rather, as a part of Russia—any legislation enacting said visa restrictions would be directed at Russian citizens, and unfortunately be applicable to non-Chechen Russians. This would, as I’m sure you realize, complicate any student visa program.

But it’s difficult to imagine the Russian Federation as incapable of containing the conflict of such a geographically minute and politically disorganized region within its own borders. After all, Russia is the most powerful state in the world. Is there any information you are able to confidentially disclose so that Ukraine may better assess the situation? Perhaps Chechen terrorism is less of a threat than the Republic of Ukraine is led to believe.

If Ukraine does determines Chechen terrorism to be a minimal risk, then perhaps the use of a few armored trains would suffice. In such a situation, we would thank the Russian Federation for their generosity. However, we would remind you that Ukraine is an independent state. We would ask for your pricing on these trains to determine if upfront payment or monthly installments are the better option.

Borys Tarasyuk,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Ukraine

 

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To: Borys Tarasyuk @GingeOrCringe

CC: Boris Yeltsin

While unfortunate it is a possibility that Chechen terrorists wishing to avoid a direct response from the Russian Federation would follow Russian assets into the territory of our neighbors. I will say this however, I do doubt that they would go after Ukrainians or Republic of Ukraine assets. I believe that there is a middle ground we can reach which will not impact our plans for a student visa program. We can pay for the Republic of Ukraine to fund either Berkut or a Spetsnaz Unit. We can do an annual pay of up to 1 billion to fund and assist the Republic of Ukraine's counter terrorism forces. Also, as for the trains, they would be a gift.

Chechen Terrorism is a threat to the stability in the region and has cost the lives of many. While they have yet to reach far from their home region, their is reason to believe that will not remain the case. There is a general feeling that the Chechen question has not been resolved, and efforts to address it have so far been less then successful. That is why, it is a good idea to remain on guard.

Speaking of questions, and military there is one that we must address with post haste. You see in the disillusion of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the chaos following the rise and falls of governments, and the previous attempted take over by communist hardliners something has been forgotten about entirely. The thing, is the hand over of Crimea. I do apologize, as talks regarding that seem to have been put on hold or neglected in the last five years. This is something we need to discuss right away so we can give the Republic of Ukraine Crimea.

This should involve the previously discussed Partition Treaty on the Status and Conditions of the Black Sea Fleet which you should have a copy of the WIP version on file somewhere. In essence, we will hand over Crimea as previously discussed. Then, as part of this WIP treaty we believe it best to give Ukraine 18% of the fleet there. We would get to base our part of the fleet in Crimea for 20 years. However, we would like to bump it up to 21 years for we would like to keep things open until 1997.

Also, I would like it if the Republic of Ukraine would discuss possible talks on the topic of Holodomor. In an effort to put the Soviet Union behind us, the shadows of the past will always haunt the present so long as it is not addressed. As you said, the Russian Federation is a powerful nation. The Republic of Ukraine possibly deserve compensation for the actions taken by Joseph Stalin and his regime.

From: Andrey Kozyrev

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Andrey Kozyrev @HeadlessSeeker

Subject: Re: Establishing Diplomatic Relations

Cc: Viktor Yushchenko

Security Level: Private and encrypted

I would like to begin by saying that the later content of your most recent email greatly surprised me. After a review of our previous communications, we realize Ukraine owes the Russian Federation a very sincere apology. Distrust and confirmation bias have led us to misattribute threatening and aggressive tones to your messages. This misinterpretation on Ukraine’s end has led us to respond with unnecessary passive aggression. This is a great embarrassment, especially since we now realize the Russian Federation has only been responding to these messages with great familial kindness.

As you said, the past influences our present. What Moscow has previously prescribed for the good of Ukraine has not always been good for Ukraine. In your first E-mail, you claimed Russia would “look out for Ukraine’s best interests,” without first asking what Ukraine considers its own interests to be. If this statement had been made by a different country, Ukraine might have interpreted it in a more charitable manner, but from Russia we viewed it as unchanged paternalism. While we appreciate your switch to the use of “the Republic of Ukraine” or simply “Ukraine,” the lack of apology or comment made us uncertain if you were actually understanding our request or simply didn’t want to argue about it, like a tired parent indulging a child for the time being.

It was paternalism that inspired past administrations to seize control of Ukraine, and Russia’s military might made it possible. Resultantly, Ukraine has been very concerned it will continue to be pushed around by its sister nation’s vast military and economic resources. A definitive border has been seen as a deterrent against this. When you suggested not only lessening border restrictions but sending soldiers into Ukraine we grew very concerned. We viewed your remarks on the Chechens as another attempt to make military infiltration of Ukraine possible. We saw your offer of an economic union and free trains as tools to manipulate and oblige Ukraine to Russia.

Your willingness to discuss Holodomor has led us to realize we have mistaken an olive branch for a sword. Such a conversation would be the best remedy for Ukraine’s distrust. Of course, it is equally important for us to discuss the wrongs committed by Ukraine against Russia in recent years. Such conversations would be better conducted in person, where there will be no more room for misinterpretations. We humbly ask President Yeltsin to consider a state visit to Ukraine. Once we have discussed the past we will discuss the future: the status of Crimea and how Ukraine can best support Russian hegemony in Chechnya.

Russia became a superpower long ago, Ukraine is still finding its place on the world stage. I’m sure you understand why we feel uneasy. However, the sentiment expressed in our first email remains: Russia and Ukraine will always be more deeply connected than any other nations ever can be. Ukraine would prefer that connection to be a positive one.



Sincerely,

Borys Tarasyuk,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Ukraine

 

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To: Borys Tarasyuk @GingeOrCringe

CC: Boris Yeltsin

I deeply must also apologize as I had not considered how these emails must of come off to you. Rest assured, the Russian Federation only wants the best of relations with the Republic of Ukraine. We simply wish to foster a good relationship between our two countries which share such an entangled history. As you have suggested, in order to avoid future misunderstandings these talks should be conducted in person. We have much to gain from having the President come to the Republic of Ukraine for a state visit. He has agreed to do this and will discuss the matters of Crimea, Chechnya, and the future.

As our emails have been CCed to President Yeltsin he is already well informed on the situation. The first thing on the list to discuss upon his arrival will be the topic of Holodomor as I mentioned prior. Now then, how long does the Republic of Ukraine need to prepare for a state visit? Would you prefer he arrive via car, train, boat, or air?

From: Andrey Kozyrev

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Andrey Kozyrev @HeadlessSeeker

Subject: Re: Establishing Diplomatic Relations

Cc: Viktor Yushchenko

Security Level: Private and encrypted

We are incredibly happy that you have so graciously accepted our invitation. Would July 1st work for President Yeltsin? He may arrive by plane, if it so please him. President Yushchenko will, of course, greet him at the Boryspil International Airport and from there they can proceed to the Presidential Administration Building where they will begin formal talks.


Sincerely,

Borys Tarasyuk,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Ukraine

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

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To: Borys Tarasyuk @GingeOrCringe

CC: Boris Yeltsin

Unfortunately at this time the President is at a state visit in Belarus. However, we have a solution. Would Ukraine be able to receive the President directly after his departure from Belarus? At this time he is being escorted by a security team, so we would need their presence with him cleared by your government.

In the mean time I can make this into a phone call so we can discuss things via voice.

Also, we would like to invite the Republic of Ukraine for a joint space program. As the doors of of our space program will reopen tomorrow. We believe that if we ave Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus working together on such a program we can achieve amazing things with te still new Energia rocket program. One of our top priorities will also be the refurbishing of Buran for a reliable and reusable method of reaching space stations.

From: Andrey Kozyrev

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Ihor Kharchenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, took a seat at his desk. He had a cigarette in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other—both leftover from a brief lunch. An intern raised a finger, opening his mouth to remind him of the new no-smoking policy for all public buildings, but Kharchenko simply waved him towards the door. Tarasyuk’s abrupt resignation was placing stress on everyone in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and now they couldn’t smoke in their own offices? Whose ridiculous idea was that?

"I'm out of Prylukys. Grab me another pack from the corner store and you can have off next Friday, like you asked.”

Kharchenko pulled up the most recent email he had been forwarded--over a secure network, of course--and waited for the door to click shut before attempting to place a private and secure call to Minister Andrey Kozyrev.

@HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

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After being transferred through the secretary Ihor Kharchenko would be put on hold and then transfered to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Boris Pastukhov who shortly picked up.

"Hello? This is Boris Pastukhov. You are Deputy Minister Kharchenko yes? Unfortunately Kozyrev is in a phone call at the moment. But, I can of course handle our talks from here. I was informed ahead of time of what you have been discussing."

@GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

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“Hello, yes, this is Ihor Kharchenko. Any communications with the Russian Federation on behalf of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been delegated to me for the time being. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause but, I assure you, I understand the situation quite clearly.

I was calling in regards to Minister Kozyrev’s most recent email. Ukraine is happy to receive President Yeltsin once his meeting with the Belarusians has concluded. We would like to request more specifics regarding the security detail Mr. Yeltsin plans to have accompanying him—this is merely of a formality and so we can properly accommodate them.”

“As for the revival of the space program…” He paused, taking a moment to stub out his cigarette and extinguish the tactless excitement in his voice. As a child of the 60s and 70s it was difficult to do. “We congratulate you, but we’ll need more details. If Ukraine were to agree to such a partnership, what would be expected of us?”

@HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

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"I of course understand, after all it is similar circumstances that has me being the one you are speaking to after all.

Now then, President Yeltsin is under guard from twenty eight members of Spetsgruppa Vympel. However twenty four of them shall remain on the plain. He is escorted by four wearing suits with concealed weapons."

"Well, we would only need a few things really. The Zenit rockets and the Antonov An-225 Mriya are at the top of the list. The reason for this is simple. Energia uses Zenit boosters and the Antonov An-225 Mriya is what is needed to carry the Buran. We also ave plans to reignite te MAKS spaceplane program, so the Myasishchev VM-T will not do for these purposes. We also wish to invest into the Energia II concept so we will want to invest in Zenit flyback boosters. We believe that the way this can be handled is that the Republic of Ukraine assembles the Zeit boosters while we take care of the rest.

On top of that, we would like for us to pool our money together. Just what ever Republic of Ukraine can afford. But, that also means the Republic of Ukraine gets a part of the prestige from this."

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[GingeOrCringe]

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“Alright, thank you. I’ll have the paperwork clearing them completed by tonight.”

He jotted down the requested products as Pastukhov spoke. “I see some pros and cons for this program. The cost is, of course, something for Ukraine to consider. I don’t feel comfortable making a full commitment without first speaking to President Yushchenko and some of our cabinet members. That being said, we’re flattered to be extended the invitation. I agree this would provide an excellent opportunity for our countries to work together. I think a joint project is exactly what Russia and Ukraine need—it is simply a question of budgeting on our end. Please allow us a little bit of time to discuss the proposal. I’ll have a clearer answer for you by the time of President Yeltsin’s visit, if not before.”

“If you have any additional information you would like us to consider, we’ll certainly do so. Otherwise is there anything else you would like to discuss?”

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"We would also like to have a Cosmonaut from the Republic of Ukraine be onboard our first resumed launch of the Soyuz spacecraft. But yes, in the meantime I look forward to hearing back about what President Yushchenko has to say.

As for additional information, I got word that the first annual payment towards Ukrainian Spetsnaz has been transferred to your government. A total of one billion in assets. I am very happy to see the funding got approved. A strong Eastern Europe is exactly what we want to see here."

@GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Private/Encrypted

“You—? Well…” There was a long pause. “That would be very nice, actually. Ukraine doesn’t currently have a space agency for the Russian Federation to collaborate with. The President and the Cabinet of Ministers usually submit state-budget proposals for the coming year in September—but, our Constitution does give a little leeway in special circumstances. I think we could quickly have funding approved for this year and next. The question would be whether or not Russia is interested in waiting for our agency to be established.”

Kharchenko shuffled through his notes as he spoke. “Forgive me, I don’t recall us ever coming to an agreement on military funding? That is a very generous sum of money. I’m afraid Ukraine can’t accept unless we understand what Russia’s expectations are in return.”

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"We would be willing to wait on that matter for better cooperation. However, it is likely we will be ready to send men back up sooner then that. In which case, I have been informed we would be willing to put ten Ukrainian Airforce Pilots through a cosmonaut selection process. They would still be under your jurisdiction, but simply be a guest in the meantime. Such an opportunity can be used for experience later on.

As for the expectations with the funding? I believe it was mentioned before that it was for the training and funding of Ukrainian Spetsnaz. That is all. We would like for the Republic of Ukraine to have a strong special forces unit. We do not expect cooperation beyond that and would simply be happy with the Republic of Ukraine being able to have use of a Special Forces unit of such caliber."

@GingeOrCringe