Chapter 55

The Bear Republic is Now Mine Chapter 55

Chapter 55: The Oil-Rich Republic / The Future Newspaper's Coup

Chechnya (Chechnya, population 1.25 million).

Located in the North Caucasus region, the majority of the population are Chechens.

From the 16th to the 19th century, Islam spread through the Dagestan region, and the vast majority of Chechens came to believe in Sunni Islam.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, separatist movements among the Chechens led to the establishment of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, with Dzhokhar Dudayev as its leader.

However, the Chechen War with Russia, which did not want independence, resulted in severe economic hardship and a refugee crisis, leading to social unrest.

* * *

Nikolai arrived a day early in Krasnodar and stayed at a hotel arranged by government officials with Sasha.

After taking a shower, Sasha asked with a somewhat worried voice,

"Why did they send you?"

"You're quick to ask."

"Just, it suddenly came to mind."

"Dudayev was a former Soviet military officer, right?"

Military officers dislike politicians the most.

Nikolai is not a politician or a government bureaucrat, but Zahar must have thought he was the most suitable person to convey his intentions.

At the time, no one trustworthy had been appointed, and he hadn't even been inaugurated yet.

"Would a former military officer like a politician? Besides, Dudayev received several disciplinary actions during his active service due to politicians."

"You were sent to ease Dudayev's suspicion, right?"

"That's part of it, but they probably thought you'd be good for negotiations."

Nikolai was the person who secured Zahar's election as president by negotiating with Yeltsin, so they trusted him even more.

"You need to stay alert."

"I'll be behind you, so you need to stay alert."

"We'll be alone in the hotel room. You need to be careful in the lobby."

Dudayev must have personally committed murders and taken many lives with a single order.

Meeting such a person for negotiations was a bit burdensome for Nikolai.

However, this burden was not about life and death but about how to persuade Dudayev to bring Chechnya back into Russia's fold.

Military thinking can be somewhat rigid, so what if he is too stubborn and inflexible?

'Please, let it be that way. Simplicity would be easier. Politicians are exhausting with their constant deliberations.'

Nikolai found it easier to deal with military personnel.

Military officers clearly state what they want, unlike politicians who speak ambiguously.

While reading the newspaper that evening, Nikolai was startled.

July 20, 1996.

It was a future date.

[Chechen Republic President Dudayev dies. Shot in the heart by his deputy, Mirzayev, at his residence]

The newspaper contained content that could dramatically resolve the situation Nikolai was in.

'Mirzayev? A coup by the deputy?'

In the original history, Dudayev died in 1996.

He was killed by concentrated attacks from Russian Air Force bombers, but now it said he would die from gunfire.

After his death, Chechnya was torn apart by various armed groups, losing its central figure, Dudayev.

These armed groups took 700 hostages at the Moscow Opera House and carried out terrorist activities in various Russian cities.

This led to even more intense attacks by the Russian government on Chechnya.

Given these points, it would be much better if Dudayev were still alive.

Nikolai decided to keep Dudayev alive and turn him into a pro-Russian figure.

* * *

Nikolai entered the hotel, the agreed meeting place.

The hotel was surrounded by security personnel from both sides, making it look like a scene from a movie.

In the hotel lobby, Russian security guards in suits were waiting.

As Nikolai entered, two men guided him to a room.

Creak.

The door opened, and he faced Dudayev, a former military officer dressed in a black suit.

Dzhokhar Musaevich Dudayev (52 years old).

A former Soviet Air Force pilot, he was a man who suited his mustache well.

"Hello."

When Nikolai extended his hand, Dudayev hesitated for a moment but then shook it.

"Surprising. I didn't expect the representative of the Russian government to be so young."

"Age isn't the important thing, is it?"

"That's true. As long as we get the results both sides want."

Dudayev, who didn't know Nikolai was coming, carefully observed every change in him.

The ceasefire was only temporary; the seeds of war had not been completely extinguished.

Dudayev was also cautious.

"May I ask what position you hold in the government?"

True to his military background, he asked directly what he was curious about.

"You might be surprised. President Zahar is my maternal grandfather."

"Then you are that Nikolai...?"

His face changed dramatically.

"How do you know me?"

"I know that you are the person who helped President Zahar get elected. You've done a lot in the past few months, haven't you?"

Knowing who Nikolai was meant knowing how the Russian political situation was evolving even during the war.

"Your grandfather is the president, and your great-uncle is the top tycoon in Russia. What a fortunate destiny."

Fortunate destiny?

'I was poisoned and died, then miraculously came back to life. What fortune?'

He suppressed the anger that suddenly welled up.

"Originally, neither of them was in their current positions."

"That's true. I've heard the name but never seen the face. It's a new feeling to meet you."

Dudayev showed an interested expression.

"President Zahar gave me full authority and said, 'I hope President Dudayev makes the right decision so he can come and go freely to the Kremlin.'"

"Haha, I feel the same. Who likes war?"

While speaking, Dudayev carefully observed Nikolai.

He was very curious about what abilities Nikolai possessed to change the Russian president.

And there was another curiosity.

"Is it true that you created Yandex?"

"Yes, but..."

"I often use it. It's well-made. I was a bit surprised to see my personal information on it. Haha."

"Does the Chechen Republic have the internet?"

"Do you think Chechnya is in Africa?"

"I didn't mean that. I thought there was no internet network in Chechnya."

There might have been one laid during the Soviet era, but it wouldn't have survived the war.

Then, perhaps?

'Secretly traveling freely within Russia? But that's not important now.'

Just as Dudayev carefully observed him, Nikolai also closely watched for any changes in him.

"Shall we get to the main topic?"

"Sure."

"President-elect Zahar said, how do you plan to stop this war?"

"The question is wrong."

"What do you mean?"

"How can we make the president stop this war?"

Nikolai's words made Dudayev smile.

"President-elect Zahar and Mr. Nikolai are definitely different from former President Yeltsin. He tried to push through with force without considering the consequences."

He shook his head, recalling an old memory.

"We don't want war. So, tell me what you want. We'll do whatever we can to accommodate it."

"That won't be easy."

"Let's hear it and decide."

The Chechen Republic was still considered Russian territory internationally.

The title of president was self-proclaimed by Dudayev without Russian government approval.

But Zahar called him president, and Nikolai did the same.

Dudayev felt his dignity was being respected.

"I want Chechnya to gain the status of a fully independent country, like other independent states."

"I know that. What else?"

"That's all Chechnya wants now. Only independence."

"Do you want to be the true president of Chechnya and govern it as a state, or do you want the Chechen people to have a happier life than they do now?"

"What do you mean? Speak more clearly."

Narrowing his brows, Dudayev leaned forward as Nikolai spoke.

"Does it matter if you're not the president of Chechnya? Are you satisfied as long as the Chechen people are happy?"

After a moment of thought, Dudayev slowly spoke.

"Hmm... The war started during Yeltsin's rule. Back then, Yeltsin and the politicians wouldn't listen. Do you know Yeltsin's daughter, Tanya?"

"Yes."

"Probably met her during the election. She's really... sigh."

"..."

She's a pain in the neck.

"What is she doing now that Yeltsin is dead?"

"I heard she's living quietly at home."

"I'd like to meet her someday. She treated us like insects. Thinking about that humiliation..."

Dudayev's tightly clenched hand trembled.

Thinking of Tanya's arrogant personality, one could guess what he had endured.

"I'll help you get revenge. If today's meeting ends well for both of us."

Imagining Tanya's shocked face, Nikolai smiled mischievously.

"Oh, that's a welcome statement. And about what you said earlier. When the Soviet Union collapsed, many places gained independence, right?"

"Yes."

"While allowing others to become independent, why did they single out Chechnya? Why is that?"

It was because of energy resources.

Another reason was that Chechnya had only 1.25 million people and a small land area, making it easy to occupy with military force.

However, the strong resistance was unexpected, leading to the current situation.

"Because of oil."

"Right. Russian politicians ultimately didn't let us go because of money."

"President-elect Zahar said that if Chechnya remains a republic, they won't interfere in any way."

"Are you saying I can be the representative of the republic?"

"Each republic has a mayor. Someone has to do it, right?"

"Haha, you speak so straightforwardly. It's easy to communicate with you."

"President-elect Zahar also said they won't withhold economic support."

"By the way, I heard you represent the Unicorn Group companies?"

This guy must have surfed the internet a lot.

"I have a few."

"The Ussuriysk apartments and the development of the Sakha Republic. You're handling all of that, right?"

"Yes."

"Quite impressive for someone your age. I was shocked when I saw the Ussuriysk apartments."

"Chechnya can develop even more than those places. I'll make it happen."

As their conversation deepened, they began to understand each other better, and the meeting lasted two hours longer than scheduled.

"Time has flown by. Thank you for your words. If you guarantee my position, I will keep my promise."

Dudayev can't be trusted 100%, but after their extensive conversation, Nikolai didn't think he was lying.

"I trust you more than President-elect Zahar. I know you keep your promises to people."

This means he trusts Nikolai more than the Russian president-elect, so Nikolai wasn't upset.

"Thank you. I'll convey today's conversation and bring you good news soon."

Nikolai added one last point.

"Is there someone named Mirzayev among your people?"

"...Yes, but?"

"According to the information we received, he will stage a coup in four days, on July 20th."

"...A coup?!"

Dudayev looked skeptical.

"More accurately, a coup. So, on that day, pretend you have a cold and wear thick clothes."

"...?"

"You need to wear a bulletproof vest under your clothes."

"He will stage a coup..."

Dudayev still looked doubtful, frowning.

"You must remember my words."

"Hmm..."

"Take care and see you next time."

* * *

Back at the hotel, Nikolai didn't leave for four days.

He called Zahar to update him on the situation and received a positive response.

The question now was whether Dudayev, upon returning to Chechnya, would successfully complete his tasks and follow through on their agreement.

During the four days at the hotel, Nikolai was in his room when the phone rang loudly around 1:00 PM. He swallowed hard and carefully picked up the receiver.

"It's Nikolai."