USSR 1991

At this time, the sky in Moscow has begun to turn white, and the light blue sky is particularly bright and dazzling against the backdrop of the morning glow. Yanayev turned off the desk lamp that accompanied him all night, watching the crowds outside the window gradually Lively scenery.

"The darkness will dissipate before the dawn, and our ideals will eventually shine like a ray of light, illuminating our way forward."

Yanayev, wearing a thick overcoat, was holding a cup of black coffee, standing in front of the windowsill and muttering to himself, "The old struggle is over, and a new one is about to begin. Enemies who don't know me, get ready Already?"

"The vengeful red bear will return to the Northland, and all enemies will tremble!"

Volume [-] The Great Journey

Chapter 137 Military Parade Proposal

"You mean to hold a military parade on Red Square on May 47 this year for the [-]th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War?" Pavlov looked at Yanayev's proposal in disbelief. It's already late February, and this year isn't a major anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, so I thought..."

Pavlov hesitated for a moment, but said it out, "My idea is to postpone it a little bit. How about holding a military parade on Red Square until the [-]th anniversary of the victory of the Anti-Japanese War? At that time, our economy will gradually recover and we will have passed the most difficult time. It will not be too late to have a big military parade after the period.”

"No, no, no, Prime Minister Pavlov, we can't wait until then to hold a military parade." Yanayev said three times in a row to express his importance, "You still remember the beginning of November 1941, when Moscow The critical moment of the battle. The German Nazi troops have already approached the city of Moscow. Their tanks are only 11 kilometers away from Moscow, and the sound of shell explosions can even be heard in Red Square. But in order to boost the morale of the soldiers, Comrade Stalin resolutely decided to parade. And it's on the traditional October Revolution holiday."

"Isn't ours now the most critical moment? It's just that the enemy is not outside, but within us. In their view, the Soviet Union is a building that is about to collapse. These people want us to destroy the Great Wall. So I want to Here we solemnly declare to them that we have only experienced temporary difficulties and have not failed."

What Yanayev did was to show the West an attitude that the Soviet Union did not fall, just like when Hitler, who was initially pressing hard, thought that the entire Soviet Union was within reach, the plot took a 180-degree turn.

After knowing Yanayev's true intention to hold a military parade, Pavlov also changed from opposing to acquiescing. He also raised a key question, "This anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War requires a banquet. The other socialist allies?"

The legitimacy of the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia disappeared in the Velvet Revolution, Romania has also been ruled by the National Salvation Front Committee, Hungary is also the cradle of democratic socialism, and Yugoslavia has disappeared in the precarious wave of secession.

Vietnam, North Korea, Cuba, and a certain socialist country that has always had a complicated relationship with the Soviet Union have become the countries on the invitation list for this military parade. If there is no accident, the representatives of the first three will definitely appear on the Red Square. As for the last one Yanayev didn't know whether he would come or not.And what Pavlov hesitated to say was the last country.

Although under Yanayev's efforts, the relationship between the two countries has gradually eased, and some originally disputed borders have also chosen to be jointly developed under the respective concessions of the Soviet Union and its southern neighbors.But in the eyes of the Soviet Union, especially some hawkish generals, they are still the so-called NATO outside staff, threatening a blockbuster in the Soviet Far East.

However, every time Yanayev knew about such remarks, he would be criticized in a notice, and if the circumstances were serious, he would even be warned and criticized in person.Yanayev knew the importance of winning over his neighbors to the south. The Soviet Union could no longer face the increasingly domineering world police alone. The only thing he could do was to win over an ally of sufficient weight to fight against the evil propaganda of the United States.

"All socialist countries are invited," Yanayev said, before adding, "By the way, send an invitation to our European neighbors who are afraid of us, and it is up to them whether they want to come or not." Something happened."

Yanayev has never expressed any hope to the West. In fact, Soviet Russia, which is on the edge of the European continent, has been isolated and bullied from the very beginning, so the Soviet Union will develop desperately and build the most powerful war machine for The most important thing is to get rid of the situation of being isolated.However, the reality is cruel. The rise of the Soviet Union has caused panic in other old capitalist countries. They unite in an attempt to strangle the greatest revolutionary regime and call the Soviet Union an evil red empire.

This also made Yanayev understand one thing. A country does not have a strong comprehensive national strength. Just relying on the establishment of a huge war machine is nothing but an act of encouragement.Only with equally impressive economic power will the Western world bow down to the Soviet Union.

"The country in the south will also send a copy?" Pavlov asked.

"In a few days, there will be an opportunity to visit them abroad. I want Comrade Ryzhkov to hand over the invitation letter to them." Yanayev said, staying in this country for too long, immersing himself in In the midst of political conspiracy, he almost forgot the lazy and easy life before crossing.

"I hope to continue to deepen the implementation of reform and opening up with them, especially the support and trade in light industry. Although this is just a drop in the bucket for the backward light industry of the Soviet Union, all the projects will slowly come together and become a force that cannot be underestimated. strength."

Due to various institutional and economic reasons, negotiations between the Soviet Union and its neighbors to the south have been proceeding extremely slowly. In the end, Ryzhkov suggested setting aside a pilot area in the main border cities to carry out different commodity trading systems, that is, The so-called economic free trade zone will be piloted first. If it is really possible, it will be gradually extended to the entire Soviet Union and even the member countries.

Of course, when this idea was proposed, Yanayev absolutely agreed. What he has to do now is to conduct trade negotiations with China and try different reforms in the economic free trade zone.

"You mean that Minister of Economics Ryzhkov visited China and brought the invitation letter personally." Pavlov said incredulously, "This formation is too grand. Although the two countries have recently sought economic cooperation The strategic cooperation is in full swing, but in this way it is really..."

"I know what you want to say, Comrade Pavlov." Yanayev nodded, stretched out his hand to interrupt Pavlov's speech, and said, "Although we have had quarrels, I also know very well One thing, the United States has many important allies, but what about our Soviet Union? The last ally also fell apart in 1991. At this time, countries that are still in the same camp are the ones we want to win over. Keep staring at the past There will be no progress with the little grievances."

Yanayev said with some emotion, "What's more, they once believed in our Soviet so much, and believed that the great communist ideal would be realized."

"So we must not let them down."

Chapter 138 First Visit

If there were any major events in February 1992, the first thing was that the Soviet Union announced the holding of a victory parade, saying that it would celebrate the victory of the Great Anti-Fascist War in May. Invitation card.However, very few countries responded.

The second thing is the pilot economic and trade zone established by the Soviet Union. Not only that, Ryzhkov’s visit to the neighbors to the south has also attracted the attention of other countries. Although the Soviet Union is gradually carrying out economic reforms, it is still largely It is based on supply to buy daily products, so the Soviet Union, which strictly adheres to economic issues, will be uncharacteristically, which is not a good thing for other countries.

A few days later, Ryzhkov went to the southern country with a lot of contract documents, which contained his detailed analysis of the Soviet industry in recent years, so that he could clearly know where the shortcomings of the Soviet light industry were.The main problem that Ryzhkov wanted to solve was the problem of agriculture and light industry in the Soviet Union.

Ryzhkov was also a little depressed, why did Yanayev give the invitation letter to himself, and then let him pass it on to other countries, wouldn't it be enough to just throw it in the embassy?

"Hey, I really don't understand what General Secretary Yanayev is thinking." Economic Minister Ryzhkov shook his head, and put the wax-sealed envelope back into his briefcase.Quietly waiting on the seat for the special plane from Moscow to the capital to land.

As an important member of the Soviet government and the economic minister of a country, the security factor was raised to the level of the highest leader when Ryzhkov arrived at the airport.This kind of treatment beyond the standard is all because Ryzhkov is the Minister of Economy of the Soviet Union, and he knows the economic situation and trade situation of the entire Soviet Union very well.

And the Soviet Union's huge, complex, and complete heavy industrial system is also their long-awaited gift.For them, there is nothing more exciting than getting the industrial production base of large strategic transport aircraft and cutting-edge fighter jets.They needed the base of military industry and heavy industry that they lacked, while the Soviet Union needed the construction of product industries such as agriculture and light industry. No matter how you looked at it, it was the best of both worlds.

So when Minister Wang of the Ministry of Finance (specifically who invited Baidu) met with Ryzhkov, there was a smile in his eyes that couldn't be concealed.It was like meeting a wealthy boss who was ready to throw money at any time, and Ryzhkov responded with the same respect, because he also hoped that China could give the Soviet Union a hand in agriculture and other aspects.

The once proud and domineering Big Brother has become amiable. I have to feel that time has changed.

"Are you saying that in addition to importing food, you hope China can provide a batch of high-yield cold-resistant crops? Even lease the land to our farmers to jointly develop food production?"

When Ryzhkov put forward his idea, Minister Wang was a little surprised, because he had never heard of such an idea.

"Yes, Minister Wang. You know that the Soviet Union has always been a sparsely populated country. We have complete water conservancy facilities, a mature mechanized harvesting model, and fertile black soil. However, our food problem is caused by some well-known The relationship has never been able to improve."

What Ryzhkov said is true. The population and system of the Soviet Union have always restricted the development of grain production. Ryzhkov hopes to introduce people from other countries to lease land in the Soviet Union, harvest grain, sell and enrich the market. .All in all, it can be regarded as a disguised mode of introducing population and foreign capital.

"This is a very new model." Minister Wang said while resting his chin. He also had his own calculations in mind. First, the country's population burden is too heavy. If some people can go abroad, foreign exchange can be created, and it will be beneficial to both parties. It's a win-win situation.

"One more thing is about the introduction of foreign capital. We hope that emerging capital from your country can come to invest in our country, and of course we will also give preferential policies." Ryzhkov is ambitious to start local brands and promote them to the world.For example, the quality of Alioka Chocolate, which can be unique in the world, has been losing out to American products in terms of publicity and other issues. As long as sufficient foreign capital is introduced, then he can make this brand bigger and become a brand that can truly influence the world. .

The former Soviet Union has been going in the wrong direction in this regard, such as all kinds of delicious flavored snacks, such as those light industrial products with reliable quality.The Soviets believed that as long as the quality of the product was good enough, it could attract everyone's attention.That's why we do a good job of a certain product regardless of the cost, but ignore the charm of capital.

The Soviet Union is like a virgin land with all kinds of delicious pastries, waiting for the continuous injection of capital to revitalize it.Minister Wang looked at the proposals made by Ryzhkov with a smile. Basically every proposal made by the Soviet Union, the benefits for their own country were beyond their expectations. The generosity of the Soviets made them unbelievable.

"So if the previous suggestions to Minister Wang are all right, then we will conduct further exchanges and consultations on visas, tariffs and other issues." Ryzhkov's diplomatic words of throwing stones and asking for directions were extraordinarily cautious, deeply afraid of the other party rejected his request.

"No, no, no, I personally agree with Ryzhkov's views and opinions. Presumably the central government will also agree with your deal." In fact, when Minister Wang talked about individuals, he actually represented the interests of the country. .Such a profitable transaction, whoever it is, immediately agrees to it.

"We still have a few questions about heavy industry. I also hope that we can import heavy industrial machines such as [-]-ton hydraulic presses from the Soviet Union to make up for our shortcomings in heavy industry." Minister Wang also put forward his own plan. "Of course, in terms of price, everything is easy to talk about, and we will give you a satisfactory price."

"[-]-ton hydraulic press, I have to ask Moscow for instructions on this kind of thing. With all due respect, I am not capable of making such a decision." Ryzhkov looked embarrassed. One of the important symbols of the country's industrial base capability, although the Soviet Union is indeed like a poor and crazy person now, he still has to consult the upper-level for some secrets that cannot be revealed.

"It's okay." To be honest, the exchange of goods and agriculture with the Soviet Union has greatly exceeded Minister Wang's psychological expectations. Since there are some things that cannot be rushed for a while, it is best to take it easy.

"Oh, there is one more thing, Minister Wang." Ryzhkov took out an invitation letter from his arms and solemnly handed it to Minister Wang. He said, "This is the anniversary of the victory of the Anti-Fascist War in May. The general secretary hopes to see representatives of your country appear on the Kremlin’s Red Square at that time.”

Minister Wang was taken aback for a moment. He didn't expect that the invitation letter would be handed over directly to the leader through his hands instead of passing through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This practice is not in line with international practice.Minister Wang, who lamented that the Soviet Union did not play its cards according to common sense, was simply self-willed once, solemnly took the invitation letter from Ryzhkov, and carefully told the people around him to put it away.

"We have accepted the invitation letter, but what the specific situation is, we still need to wait for the specific arrangements and instructions from the upper management." Minister Wang said.

"It's okay, um, Moscow will patiently wait for your reply, no matter what the result is." Ryzhkov said in a low voice, "By the way, Minister Wang, do you still remember when we were ignorant, we met each other in battle? Later, when we were all in trouble, we used to be honest with each other. Later, when the time passed, everyone was friendly on the surface, but secretly calculated each other, and it was no longer a close friend. How can I say it? It’s a pity to say passers-by. Old friend."

Minister Wang was a little silent. Such words are more suitable for speaking in private, but they seem a bit awkward in front of formal occasions.He has no organization, because he knows that the other party is a Slavic nation whose brain circuit will never be on the same line. The relationship between the two countries has been ups and downs for decades, from being glued to confrontation, and the other party's weird behavior can be regarded as normal.

What's more, what Ryzhkov said touched the sensitive heartstrings deep in his heart.

Ryzhkov completely ignored the flashing spotlights around him, the slight smile on his mouth, and the tears gradually rising from the corners of his eyes.

"It just happens to be an important day. Whether you come or not, we are willing to accept the outcome. But I still sincerely hope that the two sides can stand together and sing another Internationale that I once taught you."

Chapter 139 The United States of America