Slavic Affairs | Ukraine

[Jay]

The following note would be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine by the Russian Embassy in Kyiv, it would be handed by the Embassy's protocol staff to the Ministry for delivery to the President. It would read the following:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation extends to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ukraine its sincerest compliments and extend this invitation to President Yushchenko for an official state visit to the Russian Federation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ukraine the assurances of its highest consideration.

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AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted​

[Recipient]: Office of the President of the Ukraine < Alex > [Sender]: Office of the President of the Russian President < MAnatova@Kremlin.ru.gov > [Subject]: Invitation to the Russian Federation

Your Excellency President Yushchenko I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. It is with great respect and a deep sense of responsibility that I extend an invitation to you to visit the Russian Federation for a meeting of utmost importance. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you once again on your election victory and inauguration as the President of the sisterly people of Ukraine. As I said during my letter of congratulations, your election is a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Perseverance through hardship is a value not foreign to Ukraine. Your people, though divided at times, have placed trust and confidence in you to achieve peace, prosperity, and progress for them. It is my hope that peace, justice, and the welfare of humanity will guide you forward as our two sisterly nations chart a path forward. Indeed there are serious regional challenges that have emerged in recent years to underscore the crucial role of the relationship between Russia and the Ukraine. Ukraine plays an important role in maintaining stability and security in Eastern Europe. It is my hope that our two nations will continue our long history of cooperation and co-existence in peace. In particular, I would like to propose that we continue our previous conversations on the the possibility of forming a Slavic Union — a union founded on the principles of mutual respect, economic cooperation, and cultural unity. Additionally, I wish to engage in a candid dialogue on the ongoing events in Ukraine and Russia. These matters are of critical importance, not only for the future of our two countries but for the broader stability of Eastern Europe. Your insights and perspective will be invaluable in ensuring we take the best path forward. I am confident that your visit will provide us with an opportunity to engage in a meaningful and constructive discussion. Please let me know your availability so that we may finalize the details of the meeting. It would be my honor to host you in the Presidential Summer Palace, Bocharov Ruchey. Looking forward to the opportunity of meeting you, and your family in person. With best regards, Boris Nemstov, President of the Russian Federation

 

[Alex]

Message to the Russian Federation
Private & Encrypted

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To: Boris Nemstov, President of the Russian Federation
From: Federal Coordination Council of the Federation of Free Communes of Ukraine

Your Excellency

On behalf of the Federal Coordination Council of the Federation of Free Communes of Ukraine, I extend our sincere thanks for your letter and the invitation to engage in discussions on issues of considerable regional significance.

As you know, Mr. Yushchenko is no longer the president of Ukraine. Rather, I, as the Chairman of the Federal Coordination Council, am acting as the head of government on behalf of the people of Ukraine and it would be my honor to attend this meeting if the invitation remains open.

Your proposals—most notably, the prospect of forming a so-called "Slavic Union" is noted with interest. At the same time, we must emphasize that the autonomy and democratic aspirations of our free communes remain at the very heart of our identity. Whatever is to happen in the future, these communes must be protected.

If the offer remains, please get back to us as soon as you are able.

Sincerely,
Dmytro Hrytsenko
Chairman of the FCC
FFC of Ukraine

Jay

 

[Jay]

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AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted​

[Recipient]: Office of the President of the Ukraine < Alex > [Sender]: Office of the President of the Russian President < MAnatova@Kremlin.ru.gov > [Subject]: Invitation to the Russian Federation

Your Excellency, I hope this message reaches you well. I extend my sincere gratitude for your response and the willingness of the Federal Coordination Council to engage in discussions of such significant importance to our region. Rest assured, the invitation to discuss matters of regional importance remains open, and I look forward to discuss the situation in Ukraine, the developments since your forces have taken power, and the future trajectory of your movement. I acknowledge that in your current role as Chairman of the Federal Coordination Council and the responsibilities you have undertaken, you are the appropriate contact person and that while the original invitation was extended to former President Yushchenko, I would be eager to meet with you at the Presidential Summer Palace the Bocharov Ruchey. With respect to the concept of the proposed Slavic Union, there must be compromises made to accomodate the changed circumstances we now face. I understand and fully acknowledge the critical importance of maintaining the autonomy and democratic principles that lie at the heart of Ukraine’s free communes and I look forward to learning more about these communes, the situation in the Eastern communes, the status of former government officials, and how Russia can assist its sisterly people of Ukraine despite the current circumstances. I am confident that through dialogue, we can explore paths of cooperation that respect these core principles while fostering greater unity and strength within our region. I await your confirmation of availability to proceed with the arrangements, and I am hopeful that we will soon meet to discuss With best regards, Boris Nemstov, President of the Russian Federation

 

[Alex]

Message to the Russian Federation
Private & Encrypted

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To: Boris Nemstov, President of the Russian Federation
From: Federal Coordination Council of the Federation of Free Communes of Ukraine

Your Excellency

Thank you for your recent correspondence and for reaffirming your commitment to an open dialogue concerning our region's future. I appreciate your candid reflections on the developments in Ukraine and your proposal to further our discussions at the Presidential Summer Palace, Bocharov Ruchey.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your delegation to discuss the current situation, the status of our Eastern communes, the legacy of former government officials, and the potential avenues through which Russia might support its sisterly people in Ukraine. I hereby confirm my availability to travel to Sochi for these discussions. My office will coordinate with your team to finalize the arrangements for our meeting.

Sincerely,
Dmytro Hrytsenko
Chairman of the FCC
FFC of Ukraine

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He boarded the plane that would bear him eastward, the steady hum of the Il-78 echoing across the plains of northern Ukraine. Through the windows, the countryside unfurled in white and brown as the snow began to melt.

Hours later, the silhouette of Sochi emerged against a soft, glowing horizon. As the plane touched down as the airport, the Chairman descended the stairs, being followed and led by bodyguards provided from the SSU.

Jay

 

[Jay]

With the green light for the meetings to begin the Russians wasted no time inviting the parties and making preparations for a venue.

President Nemtsov had the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrange for visas for all the guests who would be in attendance. The Russian FSB conducted investigations into 38 Ukrainian and Russian nationals who had expressed online messages calling for harm to the Ukrainian leadership. The FSB would also check in with 6 European nationals who had made similar messages. None of these check-ins would produce any concerns.

At Sochi International Airport, the FSB and Ministry of Interior secured the Private Terminal where their guests were expected to arrive. Around the terminal, FSB special forces in black fatigues and combat gear, along with the Ministries counter-terrorism units, patrolled the terminal. K9 dogs sniffed through packages and around the terminal.

The situation Europe had given Russian security officers enough to worry about, and the ongoing proliferation of violence globally did not reassure the President over the potential for extremists to attack Russian infrastructure. The siege of the Chinese Embassy in Paris and the recent border-attack in Thailand were concern enough. Russia's SVR would coordinate with the FSB to ensure all intelligence was being shared regarding potential attacks.

At Sochi International Airport, the welcome delegation would be getting to meet the Ukrainian . Along with them would be the Ukrainian Ambassador to Russia, as well as Kartashyov Vasilievich, a Russian telegram blogger popular in Ukraine.

Upon descending into Sochi International, Prime Minister Kuzmina would leave the terminal to prepare to greet President Nemtsov’s guests.

The Russian SBP prepared the motorcade to depart the airport as the aircraft began to taxi. They would work with the SBB security officials guided them to the vehicles before the Chairman de-boarded his plane.

As the Ukrainian delegation stepped out of the airplane, they were welcomed by the crisp winter air of Sochi . After passing through immigration, the delegation would be met by a Russian man who introduces himself as Mikhail (Misha) Gennadiyevich, the protocol official responsible for them.

He would lead the group to the guest lounge, where they are greeted by the sight of a table laden with tea and platters of sweet dates, sweet creeps and Russian caviar.

As they enjoy their refreshments, Misha would be responsible for getting them to the the Summer Palace. Shortly after the delegations' arrival to the lounge, the Russian motorcades would begin getting Ukrainian officials to the summer palace. With their bags in tow, the delegation would follow Misha out of the airport, where a motorcade waited for them. Several sleek Mercedes S-Class sedans flanked by three Chevy Tahoes were waiting.

When the Chairman exited his plane she saw Prime Minister Kuzmina waiting for him at the tarmac, along with other Russian officials. When he made it to the bottom stairs Prime Minister Kuzmina extended her hand and welcomed him to Sochi . The two would enter President Nemtsov's 2008 S600 Pullman Guard.

As they drive through the bustling city streets, the Ukrainian delegation could observe the city's energy and the lively atmosphere of Sochi .The bright lights of the city illuminated the streets as they drove through it rather quickly.

Security was orchestrated with meticulous precision. The SBP conducted thorough inspections of each vehicle entering the area near the Summer Palace. Snipers were set up on paths that the motorcade would follow. The Russian Federal Police secured the roads. All in the efforts of ensuring that no unforeseen threat would disrupt the course of diplomacy.

Outside, the SBP Guard maintained their vigilant watch, forming a protective cocoon around the Bocharov Ruchey.

Inside the Bocharov Ruchey, the Russian and Ukrainian civil servants would enjoy a small reception ahead of the arrival of their leaders. They would be served traditional Ukrainian and Russian delicacies.

As they settled into the luxury vehicles, Prime Minister Kuzmina Chairman and make small talk. She was curious, as a devout Orthodox herself, about his background and how religion could govern Ukraine. As they drove through the city, the delegation was struck by the energy and vitality of Sochi . The streets were filled with cars and pedestrians, and the city seemed to be buzzing with life even in the early morning hours.

Kuzmina pointed out various sights along the way. She also commented on the ongoing Sochi Season festivities, which brought visitors from around the world to the city for concerts, shows, and exhibitions. As they approached the Bocharov Ruchey, the Ukrainian Chairman would see the beautiful architecture of the palace including its gardens.

Once passing through the initial gates, they found themselves stopping at mouth of the building where President Nemtsov walked out to greet the Ukranian Chairman.

With that Prime Minister Kuzmia would leave the two men and herself race back to the Airport to depart for Moscow for cabinet meetings. President Nemtsov would walk around the Bocharov Ruchey garden and walk ways with the Chairman to get a sense of him before the actual talks began.

“Welcome to Sochi, is it your first time?”

Alex

 

[Alex]

Dressed in a black suit and red tie, with a wooden cross hanging over it from his neck, Dmytro stepped out of the plane, his guarded gaze had taken in the sights of the city as he flew over, and now he took in the ostentatious surroundings of Sochi International. Internally, he seethed—a bitter contempt for the sinful display of opulence that this city represented.

He followed the Russians inside the main airport terminal, into a room where a table was laid out with foods that most people in Russia probably couldn't even think of ever tasking, let alone affording. He refused to have any, instead taking a seat and awaiting the motorcades that would bring them to the "summer palace."

The Russian prime minister brought him into the Russian president's S600 Pullman Guard and together they drove through the streets.

The city didn't seem quite as ornate from the ground, but Dmytro knew very well that this city was full of the nation's oligarchs. Like little rats and cockroaches, they fought over the crumbs of a crumbling empire, and were now richer than they would ever need to be. He wondered how many of their palaces dotted the mountains and coastlines of the Black Sea up to the Sea of Azov. He wondered how many were living below the poverty line here, barely able to gather up enough money for bread and butter.

The prime minister attempted small talk and he returned the courtesy, though he kept his answer short, his patience waning as the drive took just about an hour from the airport to the summer palace.

Guided from the motorcade, he was led to the person he had come all this way to meet: the President of Russia, Nemtsov. He followed the man as they began to walk through the garden.

Ever the man of few words, he uttered only a curt, "It's my first time here; it's okay," masking his inner thoughts behind polite neutrality. "This is not a place I would find myself in had I not been voted in as the Chairman for the communes."

Jay

 

[Jay]

Nemtsov walked with the Chairman through the garden, past the flowers and the bushes. "Well, I hope it will not be the last time." Nemtsov said, in reference to the Chairman's presence in Sochi. "I actually started my career as an economist." He said with a curt smile. "The numbers never lie." Boris laughed. "That is why I loved mathematics. They tell the truth, no matter how uncomfortable. When the Soviet Union collapsed, and I saw with my own eyes the suffering of the Russian people, There was a grim picture. We were at a crossroads, facing utter collapse. The truth was clear: we needed change. We needed reform. And fast.

I ran for local office to be Governor of Nizhny Novgorod, and then I stepped into national politics. I was elected, and ran, on a promise to fight against the oligarchs and the plutocrats who were trying to usurp power after the fall of the Union, and who threatened to turn our country into their personal playground.

What I am trying to say, what I believe to my core," Boris said with a pause, "Is that it is our duty first and foremost to the people. To our people. We must fight for them, not for ourselves." Boris, paused, taking a look around them. "I am no saint, far from it. I have made mistakes, I’ve had my flaws. But I do know this—we must build a better future than the one we were handed. I believe that it is our responsibility to strive for a better future—one that is worth more than the world we inherited. We owe it to our children. I hope we can build a future for both Ukrainians and Russians, together." Boris said, extending his hand to the Chairman.


Alex