It's important to note that currently, the United States is the only country in the world that possesses nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Therefore, which nation will follow suit and beco the second in the world is a matter of great interest to many major powers. (In this parallel world, France did not build the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.)
Driven by its ambitious nature and encouraged by the European Union, South Korea naturally doesn't want to miss this opportunity.
"How much is South Korea offering? What's the stance of the Ukrainian governnt leadership?" Mavi asked cautiously over the phone. South Korea had no idea how expensive it was to maintain a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
If the EU managed to disrupt Russia's deal, the loss wouldn't be just a single aircraft carrier—it would be the entire diplomatic relationship between Ukraine and Russia. This could even be the first step toward the gradual unraveling of their ties…
"South Korea is offering $5.2 billion. Many senior officials in the Ukrainian governnt find this offer quite tempting," Deputy Pri Minister Sniezhana replied truthfully over the phone.
South Korea was aggressively pursuing the Ulyanovsk-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, determined to secure the deal. Their $5.2 billion offer had thrilled the Ukrainian governnt, especially so pro-Russian factions, who were even more inclined to finalize the deal with South Korea rather than Russia.
It seed South Korea, encouraged by the EU, had unexpectedly jumped in at the last mont to snatch the deal—an infuriating move.
Upon realizing this, Mavi quickly devised a plan and said over the phone, "Alright, I understand. I'll co to Ukraine tomorrow to et with the South Korean representatives."
"Okay, I'll pick you up at the airport then," Deputy Pri Minister Sniezhana welcod Mavi's arrival.
Her words instantly reminded Mavi of her daughter, Leoxia, who had once casually ntioned in a Russian hotel:
"I often hear strange noises coming from my mom's room late at night…"
Shaking his head to clear those distracting thoughts, Mavi refocused on the bigger picture—resolving this crisis was the top priority.
Sure enough, not long after his call with Deputy Pri Minister Sniezhana, Mavi received another call—this ti from Russia's National Security Advisor, Mikhail.
"Mr. Mavi, have you heard? South Korea suddenly sent diplomats to Ukraine, trying to purchase the Ulyanovsk aircraft carrier—for $5.2 billion!" Mikhail asked anxiously over the phone.
It was obvious to everyone that South Korea's bid was far more tempting than Russia's. If they lost the deal, it wouldn't just anger President PuXXn—it would be a national embarrassnt for Russia.
It would also create a rift between Russia and Ukraine. "Just because our economy is temporarily struggling, does Ukraine really have to be so short-sighted for money?"
The European Union was truly stirring the pot. Had they not pushed South Korea into the competition, Ukraine would have already agreed to sell the aircraft carrier to Russia.
"Yes, from what I understand, South Korea's bid is indeed $5.2 billion," Mavi confird.
"Has Ukraine accepted it?" Mikhail asked directly. The Russian governnt's biggest concern was Ukraine's position on the matter.
"Not yet, but the situation doesn't look good," Mavi warned, preparing Mikhail for the worst.
"What should we do now? Mr. Mavi, South Korea's offer is $5.2 billion, and our Russian governnt…" Mikhail trailed off, unable to bring himself to admit that even South Korea had the audacity to humiliate Russia with money.
"I'll handle this. After all, I own half the shares of the Black Sea Shipyard, so I should have so influence in this matter."
When it was ti to step up, Mavi knew he had to. He absolutely wouldn't let any sche designed to undermine Ukrainian-Russian diplomatic relations succeed.
"Alright, Mr. Mavi, we're counting on you!" Mikhail had no better solution, as Russia's financial struggles left them at a disadvantage. For now, all their hopes rested on Mavi.
---
The next morning, Mavi arrived at Ukraine's international airport aboard his newly acquired Bombardier Global Express XRS.
Compared to his previous Gulfstream G200, the Bombardier Global Express XRS was far superior in terms of comfort and spaciousness—truly deserving of its reputation as one of the world's top business jets.
As soon as his plane landed, a black, bulletproof rcedes-Benz, belonging to Deputy Pri Minister Sniezhana, smoothly pulled up beside the aircraft.
"Mavi, new plane? A Bombardier Global Express XRS? You must be loaded," Sniezhana joked as she greeted him.
The two were already quite familiar with each other, so she addressed him casually.
"It's not that expensive," Mavi replied, keeping formalities in check. "Deputy Pri Minister Sniezhana, where are the South Korean representatives now?"
He wasn't about to joke around with a governnt official, especially with more pressing matters at hand. Right now, his priority was to et those South Korean negotiators.
"They're currently at the Pokerman Hotel. Soon, they'll head to the Black Sea Shipyard to inspect the Ulyanovsk-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier," Sniezhana replied, looking directly into Mavi's eyes.
For so reason—perhaps just a misconception—Mavi felt that Sniezhana's gaze seed a bit unusual.
Could it be that after returning ho, her daughter, Leoxia, had told her sothing about him? Mavi wasn't sure…
Ahem. Clearing his throat, he refocused. "Alright, let's head to the Black Sea Shipyard."
With that, he got into Sniezhana's bulletproof rcedes-Benz, and they sped off toward the shipyard.
At the sa ti, the South Korean delegation, led by Admiral Oh Seong-jun and diplomat Park Min-hoon, also arrived at the shipyard by car.
To avoid any conflict of interest, Deputy Pri Minister Sniezhana decided not to interfere—everything would depend on Mavi's skills now.
Originally, the Ukrainian governnt had assigned a Rear Admiral to host the South Korean representatives. However, since Mavi had stepped in, Rear Admiral Peter naturally ceded the role to him.
After all, when it ca to negotiations, Mavi was far more skilled. Plus, if the deal fell through, it would be Peter who'd have to take the bla…
"Admiral Oh Seong-jun, let introduce you. This is Mr. Mavi from the Black Sea Shipyard. He will be in charge of hosting your delegation during this visit," Rear Admiral Peter said, making introductions.
"Mr. Mavi, this is Admiral Oh Seong-jun from South Korea, and beside him is diplomat Park Min-hoon."
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(End of Chapter)
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