"What's the reason? Deputy Prime Minister Sniezhana, if the justification isn't sufficient, then…"
Before the Chief Justice could finish speaking, Deputy Prime Minister Sniezhana handed over the faxed document she was holding to the high court. In a loud voice that everyone could hear, she announced, "Your Honor, this fax is a document our Ukrainian government just received. It contains a shipbuilding order worth a total of $2.5 billion!"
"Compared to the European Union's aid package of $25 million and a $500 million loan, which one is better? I believe I don't need to spell it out—everyone here should know the answer!" Sniezhana passionately declared from the floor.
Upon hearing this, all 230 members of parliament were left in shock, their mouths agape. Clearly, they were stunned by this staggering figure!
"Two… two and a half billion dollars in ship orders? Is this real!?"
"My God! $2.5 billion? The EU is only willing to lend us $500 million, and even that comes with interest!"
"Which country is backing us with such a massive order? Just now, did Sniezhana say… China?"
…
As the parliament members expressed their astonishment, the faces of pro-European MPs like Peter and Igor instantly darkened as if they had just swallowed a fly. Their expressions were as grim as could be.
Sitting on the high bench, the Ukrainian Chief Justice carefully reviewed the documents submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Sniezhana. After scrutinizing them for half a minute, he loudly announced to the assembly, "Since the content of this fax has a significant impact on today's parliamentary vote… I, on behalf of the Supreme Court of Ukraine, hereby declare that the vote will be postponed for three days!"
As soon as the Chief Justice's ruling was issued, Peter, Igor, and the other pro-European MPs turned pale, sitting in their seats with expressions of despair. They had a sinking feeling that the EU's aid package would no longer pass.
A $2.5 billion shipbuilding order! If it had just been $500 million, they could have negotiated and maneuvered their way through. But $2.5 billion… the gap was so overwhelming that they felt powerless to fight back.
Deputy Prime Minister Sniezhana scanned the faces of the MPs, noting their reactions. At this moment, she suddenly realized that she hadn't yet properly thanked Mavi.
If it weren't for Mavi's timely assistance, October 12, 2000, might have gone down as the most humiliating day in Ukrainian history. Begging for a mere $500 million loan and a $25 million aid package would have turned Ukraine into a global laughingstock.
Ten or twenty years from now, how would future generations judge those in power today? Most likely, instead of praise, they would be met with resentment and criticism…
After the parliamentary session was adjourned, Deputy Prime Minister Sniezhana immediately sought out Mavi and personally expressed her gratitude.
"Mr. Mavi! I truly, truly thank you! If it weren't for your timely intervention and that $2.5 billion order, Ukraine might have never recovered from this…"
Holding Mavi's hands, Sniezhana spoke to him with deep sincerity. Compared to her commanding presence in the parliamentary hall earlier, she now revealed a much softer, warmer side.
"Deputy Prime Minister Sniezhana, you flatter me! In reality, securing this order was just good fortune. Thankfully, it arrived in time—otherwise, things could have been troublesome." Mavi replied humbly and with a warm demeanor.
Judging from the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister's expression, the nuclear disarmament crisis seemed to have passed without major danger. After all, with a $2.5 billion ship order, even some of the pro-European MPs would have second thoughts, let alone the wavering members of parliament.
"Once again, thank you! Mr. Mavi, you must come to my house for dinner one day. I'll personally cook for you. And while you're there, I'd love for you to meet my daughter—I'm sure she'll admire you greatly!" Sniezhana said with a smile.
"Of course, I'll be sure to accept your invitation, Deputy Prime Minister Sniezhana." Mavi couldn't possibly reject such a kind offer, especially considering he had indeed helped Ukraine immensely.
The $2.5 billion ship order consisted of three Type 956 Sovremenny-class guided-missile destroyers and two upgraded Type 956EM destroyers—ships that Mavi had practically "cut his own flesh" to sell!
According to the Russian Navy's export pricing, even the cheapest Type 956 destroyer was sold for at least $450 million, while a Type 956EM upgrade went for no less than $700 million.
In other words, even with discounts, the total price of this ship order should have been at least $2.75 billion! Yet, Mavi had slashed it down to a "fire sale" price of $2.5 billion…
Of course, saying he "cut his own flesh" was an exaggeration. The cost to manufacture a Type 956 destroyer was just over $50 million, so the profit margin remained quite substantial. The only question was how the earnings would be distributed (since Mavi didn't have full control over destroyer pricing, this was the lowest price he could negotiate).
"It's a deal then! I'll give you a call when the time comes." Deputy Prime Minister Sniezhana gave Mavi a warm hug before elegantly turning and walking away.
…
Three days later, the parliamentary vote resumed. After a tense yet relatively uneventful session, the final decision was made: Ukraine's parliament voted 142 to 83 against the country's self-imposed nuclear disarmament.
No doubt, history was written in the 69 Book Bar!
Mavi, who was staying at a hotel in Ukraine, was among the first to receive this good news. At last, all his worries were put to rest.
"Young Master, shall we open a bottle of red wine to celebrate?" asked Ivan, his butler, who also felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders. Over the past few days, he had been even more anxious than his master about Ukraine's fate.
"Why not? Let's drink and enjoy the moment!" Mavi knew that after this incident, he had officially drawn the ire of the European Union. From this point on, he would be firmly in their crosshairs. It was only a matter of time before his business dealings in Europe faced resistance—possibly even sanctions.
Then again, Russia had always been at odds with the EU. Facing economic restrictions was only a matter of time. After all, the world operated under the rule of law— even the EU couldn't act recklessly. If their sanctions lacked proper justification, they might end up backfiring.
After all, Mavi had the backing of both the Russian and Ukrainian governments. If the EU sanctioned him, Russia and Ukraine could retaliate against European businesses—perhaps by imposing retaliatory tariffs on European luxury goods. Imagine Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton facing a 20%–25% increase in import duties. European businessmen would be the ones pressuring their own governments instead…
At the end of the day, economic warfare offered countless strategies. If they dared to target his people, he would have no qualms about striking back. The real question was—who would flinch first?
One thing was certain: Russians, raised on a diet of bear meat, wouldn't back down!
(End of Chapter)