Chapter 67

The Bear's Soup is Now My Turn 67

067 The Flying One Above the Leaper / Clinton's Mistake

As the 'World Bowl' continued its march into the new month, Nikolai received a call from President Zahar and entered the Kremlin.

"Hello."

"Come in, then."

"I haven't seen you in a while. You seem busier than the president."

In the presidential office, his uncle Sergei, the chief of staff, was also present.

"Is something the matter?"

"I have an important meeting coming up soon, and I want you to read this document."

"Is there something that concerns you?"

"It feels like the White House is starting to check us. I think if you read it, you can figure out what the Americans are thinking."

Nikolai slowly read the document Zahar handed him.

[Basic Agreement on Cooperation and Security between NATO and Russia]

-Signing Date: May 27, 1997.

-Signing Venue: The Elysée Palace, the residence of the President of France.

-Attendees:

President Bill Clinton of the United States.

Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom.

President Jacques Chirac of France.

Chancellor Helmut Kohl of Germany, and the leaders of the 16 NATO member states.

-New NATO Members: Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

In summary, both sides agreed not to threaten the territorial sovereignty and independence of each other's countries and to avoid the use of force.

Political and military cooperation: Setting reduction targets for conventional weapons in Europe under the CFE Treaty.

NATO declared it had no intention or plan to deploy nuclear weapons in new member states.

Building trust through information exchange and mutual verification under the OSCE.

NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council: At least two meetings per year, attended by foreign and defense ministers from both sides.

To put it more succinctly:

In the original history, President Jacques Chirac of France called this agreement a "historic day that opens a new era in the construction of European peace."

President Clinton described it as the "prelude to a peaceful era in the 21st century."

At the time, President Yeltsin, who had little power to oppose NATO's expansion, called it an "agreement that guarantees the future" and "the best choice."

But what happened to the European world after this noisy 1997 signing ceremony?

During the Cold War, the Soviet-led 'Warsaw Pact' stood opposite the US-led NATO.

With the end of the Cold War, the Warsaw Pact collapsed, and Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, former members, officially joined NATO in 1999.

From Russia's perspective, it was like their children had become someone else's.

In 2004, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) all joined NATO.

Given this development, it was natural for Russia to feel anxious and dissatisfied.

In 1997, Russia warned that if NATO tried to admit former Soviet republics like the Baltic states and Ukraine as new members, it would be "unacceptable, like putting a knife to Russia's throat."

And 25 years later, in 2022:

What Russia warned about then...

became a reality.

In 1962, when the Soviet Union tried to build a missile base in Cuba, right under the nose of the United States, the US prepared for war. Why would Russia be any different?

It's a situation similar to the saying, "When I do it, it's romance, but when others do it, it's infidelity."

In modern times, Putin's demands were threefold:

1. Prohibition of further NATO expansion.

2. Prohibition of NATO offensive weapons near Russia.

3. Return of NATO military infrastructure in Europe to the 1997 status.

This is why the 1997 agreement was extremely important to Russia.

And, of course, to world history.

After carefully reading the document, Nikolai understood just how significant it was.

'The start of the Ukrainian war began with this agreement.'

Even someone well-versed in current international affairs would not have predicted the impact of this agreement.

However, Nikolai, having seen the war, could pinpoint the issues in the agreement.

Nikolai nodded and said,

"I think I understand what the US and Europe are thinking."

Zahar and Sergei, looking at each other, also nodded, as if acknowledging that showing the document to Nikolai was a good decision.

"The core of this agreement is their intention to admit countries that have gained independence from the Soviet Union into NATO."

"What?"

"Didn't you get that feeling?"

"Experts haven't said anything like that."

President Zahar never thought such intentions were hidden.

Now he could see what the outcome would have been if he had signed without showing it to his grandson.

"If they intend to admit independent countries into NATO, we must not sign this agreement."

"You're right. We must not sign it. How could they think we would agree to such an agreement?"

"Uncle, they are not mocking us. They are afraid of us."

When the Soviet Union collapsed and a weakened Russia was just beginning to rise, the US and European countries wanted to put a chain on it.

"Although not signing is the best option, it will lead to strong opposition from the US and Europe. Our good relationship could sour."

"Hmm... What do you suggest we do?"

"We can use the agreement they created to our advantage."

The two men looked puzzled.

While President Yeltsin's signing of the agreement led to global suffering, the situation was different now.

Nikolai decided to prevent this from happening.

"Sign the agreement, but add a clause: 'We do not approve of the admission of countries that have gained independence from the Soviet Union into NATO.'"

He added a few more points.

"Better to include the specific names of the countries. And consider adding a clause that this will last for 100 years, like the Hong Kong precedent."

"Your suggestion is good, but will the US really agree to our demands?"

Sergei, the chief of staff, asked, and Nikolai smiled.

"Of course not."

"...What?"

"We're not refusing to sign the agreement. Wouldn't it be better if the US and Europe pretend this agreement never happened?"

"Hmm."

"...!"

The two men and experts, who had been struggling to find a solution, were amazed at how Nikolai solved the problem with just one reading of the document.

Their surprise was not exaggerated.

Not only did Nikolai provide a solution, but he also suggested a way for Russia to gain the upper hand.

"Imagine if Ukraine joined NATO. We would have a knife at our throat. Would we attack Ukraine then?"

Absolutely not.

That's why this was the moment Nikolai, after gaining a new life, was most focused.

"If war breaks out, Russia will not be fighting Ukraine but the US and Europe. According to NATO's membership clause, if one member is attacked, the others automatically join the war."

In the original history, the Chechen War dragged on due to support from the US and Europe.

The Ukrainian war was no different.

"We should embrace the independent countries, not see them as enemies. Instead of forcing them like President Yeltsin, we should make them naturally want to be part of us."

"Hmm... How so?"

"Grandfather, many women from independent countries are leaving to earn money, either voluntarily or forcibly, to feed their children bread and soup."

How tragic.

Nikolai wanted to normalize this tragic reality as soon as possible.

So he was ready to speak his mind this time.

1. Unify the currencies of independent countries with the ruble.

2. Connect gas and oil pipelines to independent countries.

3. Eliminate visas to allow free travel and set a minimum one-year residency period in Russia.

These measures would share currency, energy, and living spaces with Russia.

"We should naturally embrace them by sharing our economy with Russia."

One cultural method could be the 'Unicorn Miss and Mister Contest.'

Like the saying 'a drizzle soaks the clothes,' we should gradually make them feel at home in Russia.

There's a story about a frog in boiling water.

If a frog is placed in boiling water, it will jump out in shock. But if it is placed in water at a normal temperature that gradually heats up, it won't realize the danger until it's too late.

Of course, Nikolai didn't mean to kill the independent countries.

He intended to gradually absorb them into Russia.

After listening to the entire story, President Zahar and Chief of Staff Sergei's expressions went from surprise to amazement.

"There was a reason I kept looking for you instead of the government officials. No one has ever provided such a clear solution. Maria was smart, but she didn't produce a genius like you."

"You really know how to flatter."

Although Zahar scolded him, he agreed with Sergei's amazement.

"You're right. I will push for the sharing of currency, energy, and living spaces, no matter what. And I will follow your advice on this agreement."

President Zahar's decision would mark a significant turning point in world history.

* * *

Meanwhile, at the White House, President Clinton and the CIA director were discussing the importance of the agreement.

"Will President Zahar sign it?"

"It's almost a done deal."

He had already spoken with the leaders of the independent countries.

Once the signatures are complete, they will join NATO.

"Isn't the situation a bit strange?"

"What do you mean?"

"I thought it would take decades for Russia to regain its former strength after the collapse of the Soviet Union."

"Hmm. I was also surprised by that."

"As you know, the Russian economy is rapidly recovering. Most importantly, its military power is becoming even stronger than during the Soviet era."

"I thought all the talent would have left when the Soviet Union collapsed, but surprisingly, they stayed."

American companies tried to recruit talent from the Soviet Union but mostly failed.

The main reason was Nikolai, which the White House didn't know.

"You're right. If this continues, Russia will regain, or even surpass, its former strength."

"That's why we are indirectly starting to weaken it again."

"We need to wrap this up well. If this agreement goes well, Russia will be too busy with its neighbors to be a threat to us."

They were confident, but they didn't know the situation in the Kremlin.

Nikolai had already prepared a countermeasure.

* * *

A few days later, Kim Min-joon, who was looking for his soulmate, came to see Nikolai.

"Didn't you find a woman you liked?"

"No, it was difficult for me to do it alone in a foreign country."

"I see. How about I play matchmaker for you?"

"...!?"

"I know a lot about you, so I can introduce you to someone."

"Thank you, but..."

Kim Min-joon felt guilty towards Nikolai and trailed off.

"Don't worry, just meet her. I'm just introducing you; the rest is up to you two."

"Thank you for your kindness."

"This is one of the benefits for the first winner of the World Bowl."

"Thank you. I also received a lot of help from the interpreters and bodyguards."

"I'm glad you found them helpful."

Nikolai needed to investigate the contest winners he wanted to introduce, so it would take some time.

"Take a few days off. I'll arrange a meeting for you."

"I'm sorry to cause you trouble."

"No, it's fine."

Nikolai had a reason for doing this.

To also play matchmaker between the people of the independent countries and Russians.

If the people of the independent countries marry Russians, they become family.

The more such families, the better.

This was another way to naturally absorb the independent countries.

After his visit to the Kremlin, he made this decision.

For this, the person who wouldn't be influenced by money was the most suitable.

If he did it for money, he would introduce unqualified people indiscriminately.

"Follow the bodyguards; they will take you to a good hotel. I'll contact you. If you get bored, you can tour Moscow."

"I will."

"I'll be busy, so my friend will introduce you. Sasha!"

At Nikolai's call, Sasha, who was talking with Yeva, his new girlfriend, quickly approached.

"Did you call me?"

"Yes. Help this gentleman from now on."

"I will. I'll take full responsibility. If you need anything, let me know."

"Thank you."

Nikolai chuckled while watching a news video from an American TV station sent by Denis.

'People are unpredictable. The US is helping Russia.'

It was true that the US helped Russia, as part of the investment in IT companies came from the Russian government.

'The President said this money will be used for the national pension.'

While most countries failed with their national pensions, Russia would be the first to succeed.

'By the way, the Thai baht exchange rate is rising quickly.'

It meant the value of the baht was falling.

'Elliott is doing a good job. Keep it up. The American TV stations should continue as well.'