United States | Message to Russia

[Odinson]

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THE WHITE HOUSE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: Boris Nemstov, President of the Russian Federation ( Jay )​

FROM: Benjamin V. Sinclair, President of the United States of America

President Nemstov,

Thank you for coming to the United States for my inauguration. I strongly feel that your visit here was an exceptional first step in American-Russian relations. I was sincere when I said before the election, and after, that I would like to see a future where our two countries can work together instead of against each other.

I have directed the Secretary of Defense to look into a possible military operation between the United States and the Russian Federation. One of the options that I have been presented is an operation where an American Navy destroyer and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter circumnavigate the globe with one or two Russian warships. This operation would allow us to show the world a sincere attempt at American-Russian cooperation on a military level, which is something that has not been seen since the war with Turkey.

I understand that both of our naval services are steeped in tradition and that there would probably be tension as to which side would have the operational commander, so to be proactive I would suggest that we publicly state that this is a "Joint Operation" between our armed forces, and that our vessels will be working in tandem. While our vessels would be in the Pacific, a Russian officer would be the operational commander of the mission, and while our vessels are in the Atlantic, an American officer would be the operational commander (and there would be a transition of command somewhere in the Indian Ocean).

Let me know if this is something that you and your armed forces would be interested in. Give your family my best wishes.​

Respectfully,

Benjamin V. Sinclair
President of the United States
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[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 United States < Odinson > [Sender]: Office of the President of the Russian President < MAnatova@Kremlin.de.gov > [Subject]: RE: Proposed Joint-Exercises

President Sinclair, I hope this correspondence finds you well. I equally share your views, that my visit to Washington for your inauguration indeed was a first step to tightening times. Whilst I share your sentiment that we must work towards a future where our two countries can work together instead of against each other, your recent decision to unilaterally announce a strategic accountability policy without informing me is a serious step backward. Whilst I instructed the Foreign Minister, against the objections of my security advisors, to share details of the Portugal sale with your government, you chose the opposite and made a reckless decisions that not only harmed Russia's interests but threatened my Government. As an exporter of arms across the world, your declaration is a dangerous statement that you will hold Russia accountable for what its defense customers do with their system. The world is bigger than Washington and London. Russia will not overlook this. I hope that President-elect Sinclair is still there, because the decision to unilaterally impose this policy is the wisdom of people like former General Sharp. Whilst I have long kept my security and diplomatic corp at bay and took the risks to cooperate with you, I can no longer in good conscious ignore this escalatory step you've taken. Until your government withdraws its global accountability statement and issues an apology for its mistake, I can not condone nor encourage a joint patrol between our countries. When conditions are appropriate I will be happy to revisit this topic and continue to find ways to uplift our relationship. I only wish you would do the same. I wish you and your family good fortune. Sincerely, Boris Nemstov, President of the Russian Federation

 

[Odinson]

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THE WHITE HOUSE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: Boris Nemstov, President of the Russian Federation ( Jay )​

FROM: Benjamin V. Sinclair, President of the United States of America

President Nemstov,

I regret that the State Department's Strategic Accountability policy has caused a rift between us. I met with the National Security Council this morning and we discussed the best way to approach this situation. The ultimate conclusion that the majority of us came to is that I should be honest with you. Please keep the following paragraph as confidential as possible.

Strategic Accountability was originally envisioned, and is still intended to be, a stop-gap measure until we hold the summit on strategic weaponry and WMDs. The policy was not something that we originally intended to be introduced, but an imperial proclamation in France had us deeply concerned that the French government was going to give Thailand and other states an open-door policy of purchasing and possibly producing strategic weapons and WMDs. This policy was a direct reaction to that. This was not intended to affect Russia, but I realize that sometimes outcomes are different than intentions. Neither of us are in a position where we can run by every idea, law, and policy by each other, but I do realize that the non-proliferation of strategic weapons and WMDs is a matter where it is critical that we work together and have a united front so that we can set an example for the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, resending this policy is not an option that I can take at this time. However, I have decided to take another step that I hope shows you, and your government, that we are doing our best to mend this mistake, and that it was never our intention to undercut Russia. This afternoon at the White House, I will issue an executive order which states that Strategic Accountability does not apply to the Russian Federation. Following that, I will immediately hold an impromptu press conference at the White House press briefing room to answer questions regarding that executive order. It will be shortly after 9:00 P.M. in Moscow when I get started.

Changing American foreign policy like this, especially to exempt a single country from it, is a difficult thing for us to do. I am going to get some difficult questions and accusations from the press, the Republicans, and the Democrats. However, in this specific scenario, I believe that our relationship is more important to me than saving a little face. You have already given me several public and private signs of good faith - I hope that you see this as one in return, and that you don't decide to kick us while we're down. I want the two of us, and our governments, to get back on track to where we were before.​

Respectfully,

Benjamin V. Sinclair
President of the United States
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[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 United States < Odinson > [Sender]: Office of the President of the Russian President < MAnatova@Kremlin.de.gov > [Subject]: RE: Proposed Joint-Exercises

President Sinclair, I appreciate the personal and political capital you have spent to apply an exception to the ill-advised strategic accountability policy. No doubt at great political cost for yourself and congressional allies so early into your presidency. Your explanation of the rationale behind the strategic accountability policy is indeed one which Russia shares. I only wish that you had given us the courtesy of sharing this information prior to the rushed and ill-worded policy. I, as well as close confidents within my cabinet, met earlier today to discuss portions of this letter. To which they are expected to keep the same confidential and secrecy as if it were a letter of my own. It is equally our concern that Thailand with French support will expand its axis of instability. Following a decision to block Thailand from Russian equipment, they quickly turned to the French and are assembling advanced subsurface and surface vessels. My legal advisor has informed me that the, whilst a reversal would have been preferable, the amendment and executive order is sufficent to give me the political capital in pushing back against more hawkish members of my security services. In the interest of transparency, and in confidentiality, the French and Chinese have reached out to me asking to scuttle your plans for the nonproliferation summit. There are those within my diplomatic corps wish believe this is the perfect opportunity to get even, for lack of better terms. I, do not agree. Your willingness to lose face over this decision is something I recognize. It is not easy and I know many within your security council would have opposed. Nevertheless, I consider you a friend President Sinclair. I have no intention of allowing this incident to become the return of tit for tat Russo-American politics. The world deserves better. The Russian Government will inform the French and Chinese later this evening that we intend to support efforts to achieve completely global disarmament and specifically your Government's efforts to do so. Whilst this will cost me considerable personal goodwill with two Governments that I have spent considerable time to enhance ties with, I believe for the sake of humanity, this summit can not begin to breakdown before it even begins. Sincerely, Boris Nemstov, President of the Russian Federation