Chapter 340: It Seems Like Enough of an Answer

After glancing around the office, I took out my phone.

Then, I dialed Medvedev’s number. The call connected before I even heard more than a few rings.

“Medvedev.”

— It’s Boss Kim. I was just about to reach out, so this works out well. About that Ussoyan situation…

“I’m sorry, but we can discuss that later. Is it possible to speak with the President?”

— Putin? What’s going on?

I quickly explained the situation. His voice was satisfied as he responded.

— Already moving to negotiate? Haha, that’s typical of you, Boss Kim. Always quick on your feet. He’s currently meeting with the ministers, but I’ll see if I can interrupt. Please hold on a moment.

While I waited for Medvedev’s response, I gathered my thoughts.

What could Russia possibly gain from this? If the U.S. is heated, could Russia offer to reduce its debts to them?

— Mu-hyeok, did you call for me?

Putin’s voice broke through my thoughts over the line.

“Putin, sorry to bother you during your busy time.”

— No problem. So, you’re negotiating with the U.S.?

“I’m currently in talks with Secretary Powell and National Security Advisor Rice. However, they seem skeptical about my ability to persuade you, Putin.”

A soft sigh slipped through the receiver. Sensing the positive atmosphere, I continued speaking.

“Would you be able to take a call when you have some time?”

— Sure, I’ll make time.

“Then please call the U.S. Embassy in Korea instead of my phone. That might have a greater impact.”

— Haha, looks like you’re trying to show off. Understood.

After ending the call with Putin, I walked into the office, and just as I entered, the phone rang loudly.

“Pick up the phone. It’s probably Putin.”

At my words, Powell jumped, hastily pressing the speaker button.

— This is Putin. Is this Secretary Powell?

“Mr. President, it’s been a while.”

Powell seemed to recognize Putin’s voice immediately and replied promptly.

— Haha, it’s been a while. Didn’t we meet last time at the Kremlin? It feels like forever since we’ve had a proper conversation.

“Yes, after that meeting, we haven’t crossed paths again. But what prompted your call, Mr. President?”

— Oh dear, it seems I’ve let the pleasantries drag on. I’m quite busy, but feel free to consider Mu-hyeok here my representative for our negotiations.

Everyone in the office looked at me in surprise.

I met their gazes casually, only allowing a soft smile to form on my lips.

— If I can’t persuade him, it’ll be a lost cause for me too. I’ll hang up now.

With that final remark, Putin ended the call. As the call disconnect tone echoed in the office, I spoke up.

“It seems like enough of an answer.”

Powell nodded, looking dazed as he stared at the phone.

“Alright then. Let’s get to some serious negotiations.”

This wasn’t going to be a quick discussion.

Realizing this, Powell checked the time before turning to Rice.

“Rice, cancel all other appointments.”

“Secretary, even the ones related to the Blue House…?”

“Isn’t President Bush and Rumsfeld involved in that one? This is far more crucial to me.”

“Sigh… Fine. I’ll reach out about it.”

Rice glanced at me before heading out.

Once the door closed, Powell brought up what had happened yesterday once again.

“I’m not sure what happened, but it seems there was a misunderstanding on both sides. As soon as this negotiation wraps up, I’ll delve into the details. I hope it doesn’t become a hindrance for us this time.”

“Of course. What’s done is done, and we should focus on the present negotiations.”

Powell seemed to adopt a considerable level of humility, as if he was determined to gain Russia’s support by any means.

I couldn’t help but wonder why he was so desperate to secure this deal. I wanted to unravel this curiosity before moving the negotiations forward.

“Secretary Powell, can I ask just one thing?”

“Ask anything.”

“Why are you so aggressively pushing for the UN resolution adoption? I can’t understand the reasoning behind it. With the U.S., UK, and other allies, it should be enough to capture Hussein and set up a new government.”

Powell sighed heavily, a serious expression creeping onto his face.

“I’ve experienced war firsthand. I’ve commanded operations in both the Panama War and the Gulf War.”

This was already known to me. I nodded.

In an instant, Powell’s face contorted slightly, as if recalling something, a flicker of pain crossing his expression.

“Charlie has never experienced the horrors of war, has he? I know too well what war entails. That’s why I believe we should pressure Iraq through diplomatic channels rather than military action. Getting the UN resolution passed will put immense pressure on Hussein.”

“Wouldn’t it be possible to pass the resolution in the General Assembly?”

There are two types of resolutions that can emerge under the UN banner.

One is the resolution from the Security Council.

The other is a resolution that passes based on the votes of all member states of the UN.

“Even if it passes in the General Assembly, it’s merely a non-binding resolution. But Security Council resolutions carry weight. They not only have legal binding power but often include military force as a consequence.”

Just as Powell said, resolutions that pass through the General Assembly are meaningless if they don’t receive overwhelming support.

Such cases rarely occur, and even if a resolution is passed, it’s just a recommendation without any legal implications.

If a coalition of nations claims to support world peace but cannot represent the rightful states, what does that mean?

“So you don’t want to go to war.”

“That’s right. Call me weak if you wish, but war results in shedding the blood of our citizens. It’s better not to fight if we can avoid it. For that reason, I strongly advocated for the resolution. Let’s at least put it before the UN for now.”

I studied Powell’s expression but saw no signs of insincerity.

“If there’s a condition that would secure Russia’s support, I’ll actively approach Bush to persuade him. So, Charlie, please work on persuading Putin as well.”

“Understood.”

Just as the conversation concluded, Rice stepped in through the door.

“Mr. Secretary, I’ve canceled all appointments.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

With Rice seated, we delved into the detailed negotiations.

Powell mentioned several concessions the U.S. could offer if Russia would agree to abstain from the vote, but I responded with a look of disbelief.

“Powell, this lacks any sincerity at all.”

“What do you mean? Can’t you recognize how advantageous this proposal is for Russia?”

Powell genuinely looked confused about my reaction.

“First off, the other conditions just aren’t worth it as compensation for Russia’s abstention. The best you can offer is that you’ll recognize Russia’s market economy, but that’s something you’d do soon anyway, right? I understand discussions are ongoing with the EU and the U.S. regarding this. And to dangle that as an offer to Russia, do you think Putin is unaware of that?”

Powell let out a small sigh, then glanced toward Rice, who nodded slightly.

“I don’t know whose head produced that proposal, but if it were really thought Russia would accept that in exchange for their abstention, it’s an outright dismissal of Putin.”

“So what exactly do you want me to do? What proposal could Putin possibly accept?”

Instead of responding, I took a sip from the glass in front of me to wet my throat before speaking again.

“Let’s start simple. When the U.S. invades Iraq, Russia will initiate a third war in Chechnya. This time, Russia will place a supporter of its cause on the front lines. You need not do anything at that point.”

“…What are you talking about?”

“Chechnya is different from Iraq. It’s sovereign Russian territory. So make sure you don’t express any position on it. This isn’t a bad proposition for the U.S. either.”

“Why would it be acceptable for the U.S.?”

Mentioning Chechnya sparked confusion on Powell and Rice’s faces.

It was natural for America, branding itself a defender of liberalism, to struggle with the idea of not taking action against Chechnya. It was bewildering at best.

“This could turn the tide. Remember the slogan the U.S. has risen with? It’s the War on Terror. The world will perceive that Russia is acting in alignment with this war. The terror in Chechnya also aligns with Islamic terror. ”

It was mere wordplay, but in international politics, the interpretation of similar actions can differ wildly based on context.

“After half a century of rivalry since WWII, if Russia and the U.S. present a united front, the effects will be monumental. I’m sure you both understand this better than I do.”

“And if we consider that, it makes sense. Rice, what are your thoughts?”

At Powell’s question, Rice nodded and replied.

“This is a proposal worthy of acceptance. No, it’s one we must accept.”

With Rice’s affirmative answer, Powell beamed in satisfaction, responding.

“Very well. We’ll need to discuss the details with President Bush, but this is certainly a proposal we can accept.”

Since I had the initiative, should I also address Putin’s long-held wish? Smiling, I said.

“The second point is a bit more complicated.”

“The second one?”

“The first could be viewed as assisting America. Russia will still carry out the war in Chechnya, regardless of the attitude of the U.S. Just like how you would invade Iraq despite opposition.”

Powell sighed softly and nodded, as if recognizing the opportunity to grasp Russian movements.

“Let’s hear it.”

“Please don’t oppose the project connecting Russia’s and Europe’s railways.”

“Excuse me?”

Rice’s voice rose. Powell also responded with astonishment.

“It’s the Eurasian railway project that starts in Korea, passes through North Korea, and connects to the Trans-Siberian railway and EU railways in Germany.”

“That’s out of the question. Absolutely unacceptable!”

Rice shook her head vigorously, her expression stern.

She was completely against it, and Powell nodded in agreement.

“Charlie, this is completely unacceptable.”

“Even if it’s unrelated to the U.S., you still oppose it?”

Rice’s volume increased.

“It’s an issue precisely because it is unrelated!”

“I agree with Rice on this. It’s an absolute no-go.”

Connecting Europe and Asia with railways was Putin’s long-held dream.

— Mu-hyeok, it’s my dream to connect the railways from Korea through North Korea all the way across Siberia to Europe. What a grand vision that would be!

In my past life, it remained unrealized until my last breath.

There were many reasons why it never materialized, but American opposition was certainly the greatest.

If the Eurasian railway was established, it could create a single economic zone.

And that would isolate America, which is separated by sea from Europe and Asia.

The U.S. had no intention of relinquishing its influence in East Asia.

I knew this was something they would never agree to, but I felt a twinge of regret.

“I didn’t expect such strong opposition.”

“Even if we can’t get help from Russia, we absolutely cannot accept this condition. It goes completely against U.S. interests.”

Powell was just as much of an American as anyone, prioritizing American benefit.

Following that, there was no narrowing of our differences. Even after a lengthy conversation, Powell would not yield an inch.

“Alright then. I’ll make a concession here. Instead, let’s say that at the next request from Russia, the U.S. will refrain from using the veto.”

“Understood. If we agree to both points, I’ll take it as Russia will abstain in this UN Security Council vote.”

Powell and I stood and shook hands. Each of us got something in this exchange, so we were satisfied.

“I’ll persuade Bush myself, so I hope it leads to a favorable outcome.”

“Got it. I’ll relay this to President Putin myself.”

I was certain Bush would acquiesce. This could become a significant achievement for him.

I exited the embassy and turned around.

Although I had entered in daylight, the sky had darkened, and not a single star shone in the night.