[Ukr] Message to the Russian Ministry of Defense

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Pavel Grachev HeadlessSeeker

From: Ihor Kharchenko

Subject: Defense Production

CC: Viktor Yushchenko, Oleksandr Kuzmuk

Security: encrypted and private

To the honorable Minister Grachev,

I'm writing to you with an inquiry regarding defense production. While Ukraine still has numerous factories left over from the Soviet Era, we would like to have a more concrete understanding of the legalities surrounding the manufacture of Soviet defense products. We have the means to assemble a number of these products, but we do not know if Russia, as the primary heir to the Soviet Union, would object to us doing so. We would like to strengthen our military so that we can not only defend our country, but provide assistance to Russia.

Respectfully,
Ihor Yúriyovych Kharchenko
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Pavel Grachev HeadlessSeeker

From: Ihor Kharchenko

Subject: Defense Production

CC: Viktor Yushchenko, Oleksandr Kuzmuk

Security: encrypted and private

To provide more clarification: one of the items we are specifically interested in is the BMP-2. We recognize these as Russian owned and, while we do have the ability to produce them for our own defense, we would like to determine wether or not we have a right to do so before we begin.

We also see that the company Rusarg has produced a Slava Class cruiser. It is our understanding that the design for this ship is property of Ukroboronprom, as it was originally constructed in Ukraine. Out of curtesy to our beloved Russian brothers we did not block this production—however, we are deeply uncomfortable with the idea of Ukrainian ships being sold to unknown buyers. Our products are our reputation and if other countries suspect Ukraine has sold weapons to rogue countries, say, North Korea or Iraq, we would not only be at a monetary loss but a political one as well.

Likewise, it makes us uneasy that a non-GA member has been producing these ships without contacting Ukraine with so much as a courtesy notice...

Again, we would not have any issues with Russia producing Ukrainian equipment for their own use. We would like our brothers to be well defended.

However, we were never informed of any sales or production by third parties and would not have allowed this production to occur were it not for the fact that Russia is a partner in Rusarg. If any more Ukrainian defense products are manufactured by a third party before we have an chance to fully discuss this with you, we will unfortunately be require to cease that third party’s production.

Respectfully,
Ihor Yúriyovych Kharchenko
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Pavel Grachev HeadlessSeeker

From: Ihor Kharchenko

Subject: Defense Production

CC: Viktor Yushchenko, Oleksandr Kuzmuk

Security: encrypted and private

At the risk of sounding impatient I am sending you this third email. We have just discovered RusAr is manufacturing multiple Ukrainian owned products for sale to fourth parties unknown to Ukraine.

One of the items being produced without our permission particularly upsets us. We denied Argentina a request to purchase the Antonov An-24 Ruslan before RusAr was formed because, at the time, Argentina and Sweden were becoming belligerent with each other. We did not want to amplify either military’s weaponry or logistics abilities. We will concede the Ruslan is a joint venture between Russia and Ukraine, but we do not appreciate that Argentina ignored our objections and failed to inform us of their manufacturing and sales.

We don’t believe you took the liberty of approving third party productions of Ukrainian products (ex: the Slava Class or the Berezina) for fourth party purchasers, but RusAr is a jointly owned company and these sales have been made over the course of several weeks. We’re concerned the Russian Federation may have had some knowledge of these dealings. This saddens us.

We were promised that any partnership we entered into with your country would be one of equals and under this pretense, Ukraine has been striving to better our relations:

• We coordinated Ukraine’s vote with Russia’s when the resolution on Canada was put forward. We informed you of productions we had previously sent to them because we believed Canada might present a future threat to your country.
• We have defended your claim to Antarctic land to the best of our ability.
• We have informed other countries of the growing friendship between us in an attempt to help better Russia’s image amongst Western countries. Ireland has told us this helped inform their decision to allow Russia access to a naval base lease.
• We will not pursue a lawsuit against Russia for the human rights violations the previous government committed against the Ukrainian people. Instead we are working with you towards a reparations deal which will benefit both peoples and solidify a longer lasting friendship, not detract from one party for the brief appeasement of the other.
• We do not agree with military actions currently taking place in Belarus, but we have said nothing of it to alert the rest of the world.
• We specifically came to you regarding production of former Soviet defense material that is now Russian owned because we did not want to assume we had a right to a domestic production license. In fact, we were prepared to give Russia a domestic production license for any Soviet products now under Ukrainian ownership.
• We are working with you towards a peaceful solution to the Crimea debacle.

If any of these efforts have caused you offense, we would ask you to inform us as our actions were conducted with the aim of satisfying and assisting you. You promised the New Russia would be very different from the old in its treatment of Ukraine. If the Russian Federation is truly allowing for the illegal production and sale of Ukrainian products by third parties, then we do not understand why. Either Russia was insincere in its promise to change and treat Ukraine fairly, or Ukraine has done something to warrant the ire of the Russian Federation. We find both possibilities equally saddening, but perhaps there is a third we have not thought of.

We respectfully request an explanation.

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private/Encrypted

The Russian Minister Of Defence Pavel Grachev would put out a call to his Ukrainian counterpart/the Ukrainian government from his office via his encrypted line. After having read the emails he had decided to intervene himself and talk about this over the phone. He quietly and patiently awaited for a pickup.

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Private/encrypted

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ihor was on a conference call with the Ukrainian Ambassadors to Poland when his secretary informed him of the Russian Defense Minister waiting on the second secure line. “I will have to call you back,” he told his colleague, promptly switching to the second call.

“Defense Minister Grachev, we’re very...” he paused for a moment trying to think of the right word. “I think this time we‘ll have to skip the usual etiquette and get straight to the reason for your call. Ukraine is willing to listen to what you have to say.”

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private/encrypted

"Argentina was not given permission to produce Ukrainian Equipment and we will be forwarding them a request to cease and desist. We are unaware of how they even got the means to do so and suspect a mix up in the trade. Rest assured, Ukrainian equipment will not be sold in such a fashion anymore. Furthermore, we have no issue with Ukraine using any of the Soviet Era factories that are located within Ukraine. You are free to use them as it is not up to us how you use your own factories.

There is also the matter we wish to engage Ukraine with in order to make up for this oversight. We currently have a single Soviet aircraft carrier Ulyanovsk class vessel in our arsenal. Luckily we were able to finish it by 1995 at the start of the year. However, to produce more we require the use of your Black Sea Shipyard. The proposal is as thus. We wish to create an additional three of these super carriers and have Ukraine be the one contracted to do this. We will pay for the construction. Three of these should pay for any lost revenue the Argentinians have cost you. This will require some development though as the original plans are lost."

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Private/encrypted

"Russia has been a very kind big brother these past months," he paused. "We trust you and your word. Knowing now that it was a mistake—likely on Argentina’s end—gives us some repose."

"Still, we’re sure you realize what a hefty monetary and political cost this could have had if Ukraine did not love our brother so much. In fact, we’re very concerned this might yet harm you. Do you know for certain Argentina has not been using RusAr to illegally produce equipment from other former-Soviet countries?"

"If Ukraine were a part of this business venture, we would want to get out ahead of any problems. We would review the origins of any completed or in progress products and contact any injured parties before they seek payment for damages. We might consider paying them whatever the item was sold for, plus maybe offer 25% to 30% off a future RusAr store order. In exchange, you could insist they sign a contract revoking any right to sue Russia over these mistakes in the ICJ. In fact, we would be more than willing to compose such a contract for you, should you wish. It would be at no charge, our payment would be the insurance of regional economic stability. After all, we are still considering the possibility of an economic Union in the future, so we need Russia to remain as prosperous as it is now."

"We believe that as your brothers, neighbors, and friends, Ukraine has more of your best interest in mind than far off foreigners like Argentina. May we inquire as to how long it took for this business arrangement to be worked out? We’ve noticed that many traditionally-capitalist countries have been trying to take advantage of Ukraine’s inexperience in the free market. One Swedish company came to us forcefully insisting we sell them a majority share of Antonov for less than half its market value. They boldly threatened that the business would fail if we refused! We know our Russian brothers are very wise but we still worry about Westerners (especially those heavily influenced by Operation Condor ) who will try to take advantage of your good will."

"Of course Russia is our big brother and knows best how to handle its own business without any help, but it would put our minds at ease if you allowed us to assist you. Our lawyers can free you from any exploitive contract and enact a more beneficial one between Russia and Ukraine. We could sell Ukrainian and Russian products in one convenient place—and of course Ukraine would ensure all the products were legal for us to sell. Attention to detail is our specialty. Given Ukraine's close ties to Poland, I'm sure we could work out a deal to include their products as well."

"Your trust in us would further build our trust in you. Wouldn’t it be so much better if, instead of allowing this hurtful situation to divide us, we used it as an opportunity to grow closer together?"

"Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union Ukraine has formed an opinion on many of the countries beyond what was the Iron Curtain. While we are certain of the evils of communism and authoritarianism, we do not believe these Western countries are wholly good. Belgium’s unprovoked attack on France, Swedish kidnapping of Australians, Argentinians attacking ships and leaving sailors to die, Canada’s fascist party taking hold..."

"There’s no telling what these strangers will do. Russia and Ukraine are safest when they remain together. As they should be."

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private/encrypted

"I would like to see and read such a proposed contract as it may very well be a good idea. Also note that your distrust of the westerners is shared by us. However, we have seen an opportunity to gain a foothold in the Americas. Something that as you may know has been in the interest of our nations for some time. Argentina will be reprimanded for it's actions, but we do not wish to see them fleeing towards the Americans. I am sure you can understand why yes? The recent war in Iraq has shown us that America is in decline, and thus someone has to take their place in the Americas. We believe a good candidate is Argentina.

A stricter hand will be needed in the future. There is much ground work to be done in order to ensure a prosperous future for our two nations. I will lay out our current plans for you so that Ukraine has an idea as to what we are doing.

1. Gain Warm Water Ports in Western Europe
2. Fill the power vacuum in the Americas.
3. Protect and secure our sphere of influence against outside threat (Sweden)
4. Ensure total dominance in the field of space.
5. Rebuild the Russian military to former Soviet era size (Possibly counting numbers from allied nations)

A short list no? But one that will ensure both of our prosperity. We will need the Republic of Ukraine's help in achieving all of these. Especially in regards to the military, as the Republic of Ukraine has many factories and shipyards that produce equipment we wish to use. No doubt the republic of ukraine wishes for it to have a good sized military?"

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Private/encrypted

“Respectfully, you don’t need to reexplain your goals to us. Ukraine has been party to them for the past hundred years, more or less.

As we informed you over email, we permit Russia to produce any Soviet products which are now Ukrainian owned. We will require no payment, you will simply have to cover your own production costs. But, again, our products are our reputation and when they end up in unknown hands, Ukraine suffers for it. We do not permit you to sell our products to third parties. They may not be produced under RusAr. We trust you will respect this small, singular request.

We assume Russia is more than capable of redeveloping the Ulyanovsk class on its own, but we are not capable of denying our brothers, so we will provide assistance. You will still pay for any and all development costs, but that will be that. After, you will not require Ukraine’s permission to construct these ships on your own. We will also decline any further attempts at payment. Money was not our main issue with this RusAr mix-up...

Likewise, you will not require our assistance in drafting a contract if Ukraine was the only party harmed by your friends. As we have told Ireland, we are incapable of ever lifting a hand against a country hospitable towards Russia. Suing RusAr would impair you, and so we are also incapable of taking legal action. As you know, President Yeltsin and President Yushchenko are currently in a meeting to discuss reparations for Holodomor, among other things. I think this is testament enough that we have and will always continue to love our Russian brothers despite their many, many faults and transgressions.

If there is nothing else, Minister Grachev, I should reach out to Poland. We were deeply worried by this issue, and expressed our concerns to President Kwaśniewski. I would like to clarify what has happened--an honest mistake in paperwork--and that we will not require the Poles to mediate after all.”

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private/encrypted

"I am not entirely sure I very much like some of the implied inferences I heard there. But, perhaps I am simply misreading the tone. We are after all speaking over a phone. We very much wish to be friends with the Republic of Ukraine, and we would hate for anything, or anyone to undermine that. I am sure you are aware of that.

Now then, before you go we wish for the Republic of Ukraine to offer up two things for sale to us. At this moment we have 1,200 T-62 main battle tanks and 155 T-55 tanks. You have a upgrade package for the two of them we wish to apply. The T-55 AGM and the T-62 AG. Fax us the upgrade costs and we will transfer the funds."

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

private/encrypted

There was a twelve second pause before Kharchenko responded. “I apologize, Mr. Grachev. I feel I'm not being heard, and these are issues which we must work together to address. In 1991 your government altruistically recognized Ukraine’s inalienable right to self-sovereignty—which includes our right to control our own government, our international reputation, and our products and intellectual property. This situation has undermined our power and legitimacy in these areas.

Our say in the use of our intellectual property has been demonstrated as dismissible. You still have not informed us where our products went—if they have remained in Argentina or if they have all been sold to fourth parties. We have no idea who will be using them. For all we know, they are in the hands of communist rebels in Africa, dictators in South America and Asia, or even under the ownership of mercenaries. Even if they were purchased by a country we consider reputable and beneficial to the international community, there is no quality assurance from us. If something were to go wrong, others will hear that it is a Ukrainian product and make assumptions. We cannot prepare to address any possible damage to our international standing because we do not know where our products went, who purchased them, or even if they were properly constructed. They were counterfeit.

To the international community it looks as if the Ukrainian government is misbegotten. A legitimate state would act to protect its rights and the rights of its citizens. Ukraine’s rights to intellectual property and to steer our own international reputation have been violated, but we have no recourse to take. We would like to restore our now tarnished legitimacy by going to the ICJ and eliminating the company. We must show we can defend Ukraine, her interests, and her children. Unfortunately, with Russia as a partner in RusAr, we cannot do that because it would harm your interests. Nor can we go to the GA--again, that could harm Russia, and Argentina is completely immune to GA regulations.

So, we have offered a compromise to you, our sympathetic brothers. We would be happy to perform the same task as Argentina under a contract more beneficial to Russia. You would continue turning a profit while Ukraine would re-secure it’s sovereign rights. It goes without saying we would obtain any replacement ally for you—even the United States. Easily. But it seems something we have done has caused you such an offense that you’ve lost confidence in us. Why else would you feel the need to reiterate foreign policy goals we’ve long had knowledge of? The only explanation I can think of is that we have displeased Russia and made you unwilling to assist us. I do not know exactly what we've done, so Ukraine is unable to make amends.

This is not simply a monetary matter but a political one. It has revealed cracks in our brotherhood which could easily spiderweb into even more serious issues. And on top of it all, the People will be reminded of previous times Ukraine’s sovereign rights were violated. In the past our right to physical property was disregarded. Now our right to intellectual property has been ignored. It feels no different. We were promised prosperity before. Our concerns were always swept under the rug and in turn the People suffered. If we cannot assuage the People’s anxieties on these issues, they will be suspicious of any agreements President Yeltsin and President Yushchenko come to.

Ukraine’s legitimacy cannot be repaired with money. We have offered a possible solution, but you are uninterested. We are appealing to you as your brothers to help us find a better remedy."

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private/encrypted

"You are a wordy one."

There was a brief pause and an audible sigh.

"Here is what we will do. We will force Argentina to apologize publicly or face the end to our partnership. We will also force them to repay damages inflicted to you from this mess. It will be made clear that the Republic of Ukraine cannot, and will not be violated by outsiders. Under any circumstances. If anyone does so, they will face hardships from the Russian Federation and suffer the dire consequences of having dared hurt the Republic of Ukraine which is under OUR protection. Do you understand this? If so, how does that sound?"

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Private/encrypted

Kharchenko stared at the phone receiver for a moment, almost missing the rest of what the Minister had to say. A wordy one?

“Well, that phrasing isn’t exactly—” he stumbled over his words, a bit taken aback. Had he just... nagged the defense minister of another country into doing something? “If it weren’t for Russia’s interest in this company, we would be more than capable of handling the situation on our own. Is the solution you just offered one that Russia would find satisfactory? At the end of the day, we would like both Ukraine and Russia to be successful.”

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private/encrypted

"The solution is fine, the remedy is in motion. Argentina will apologize, accepting out offer or face immediate termination of contracts. However, should they refuse and we terminate our contracts. Then we have big big problem I hope you understand? South America will have been very important field for us to secure, should we lose it we will be forced to focus entirely here on the home front. Not the greatest news for us, but perhaps very good news for you!

The way we have it laid out, the likelihood of a refusal is well... unlikely."

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Private/encrypted

“I would like you to clarify what you mean.”

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private/encrypted

"it is simple is it not? We will have to put more diplomatic resources into our home region. As well as other assets... Efforts in Ireland will have to be doubled. Efforts to suppress Sweden diplomatically will have to be doubled."

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

“I see... Ukraine will provide assistance to you regardless of how this ultimatum is answered. We shall find you a replacement ally in the Americas if necessary and we will further your standing in Ireland. The Irish have asked for our intercession in Anglo-Irish diplomatic affairs. How well would the Russian Federation like them to get along?”

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private/encrypted

"Intercession? In what manner? What are the aims of the Irish?"

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Private/encrypted

“They would like a more open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, and asked Ukraine to contact the British to help sway them. Ireland believes it would put an end to the IRA, or at least decrease their appeal. Would Russia feel secure with an open Irish border? I’m aware the Irish are leasing you a base, so your opinion on security is relevant—and we will of course keep it confidential.”

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private/encrypted

"An open border would help yes. We will back this proposal. Do you know the British thoughts on this matter?"

GingeOrCringe