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 become 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 government 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 government find this offer quite tempting," Deputy Prime 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 government, especially some pro-Russian factions, who were even more inclined to finalize the deal with South Korea rather than Russia.
It seemed South Korea, encouraged by the EU, had unexpectedly jumped in at the last moment 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 come to Ukraine tomorrow to meet with the South Korean representatives."
"Okay, I'll pick you up at the airport then," Deputy Prime Minister Sniezhana welcomed Mavi's arrival.
Her words instantly reminded Mavi of her daughter, Leoxia, who had once casually mentioned 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 Prime Minister Sniezhana, Mavi received another call—this time 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 embarrassment 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 confirmed.
"Has Ukraine accepted it?" Mikhail asked directly. The Russian government'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 government…" 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 some influence in this matter."
When it was time to step up, Mavi knew he had to. He absolutely wouldn't let any scheme 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 Mercedes-Benz, belonging to Deputy Prime 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 Prime Minister Sniezhana, where are the South Korean representatives now?"
He wasn't about to joke around with a government official, especially with more pressing matters at hand. Right now, his priority was to meet 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 some reason—perhaps just a misconception—Mavi felt that Sniezhana's gaze seemed a bit unusual.
Could it be that after returning home, her daughter, Leoxia, had told her something 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 Mercedes-Benz, and they sped off toward the shipyard.
At the same time, 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 Prime Minister Sniezhana decided not to interfere—everything would depend on Mavi's skills now.
Originally, the Ukrainian government 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 came to negotiations, Mavi was far more skilled. Plus, if the deal fell through, it would be Peter who'd have to take the blame…
"Admiral Oh Seong-jun, let me 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)