Empire of the Ring

Youngho came to Saint Petersburg to attend the opening ceremony of the Volga-Baltic Waterway.

As Russia’s second-largest city, Saint Petersburg City was a planned city built on both banks of the Neva River, along with 101 islands at the mouth of the river.

Having well-established streets connected by some 500 bridges placed in dozens of tributaries, including the Neva River, had been called the capital of North Russia.

It was a high-altitude area with a latitude of 60 degrees north and had a mild oceanic climate, which was warmer than Moscow in the south.

The Neva River and the sea off the coast froze in winter, but the sea route was maintained almost all year round by icebreakers.

It was also the endpoint where the inland canal, which began from the Volga River, met the Baltic Sea.

Today, Saint Petersburg was celebrating the opening ceremony of the canal, with countless citizens pouring into the streets despite the cold weather.

Previously, the canal failed to function as a logistics route because only ships up to 5,000 tons were allowed, but it was now a historic day for Russian logistics because it could now allow cargo ships up to 50,000 tons to travel.

As the opening of the Volga-Baltic Waterway offered Siberia’s shortest-distance course to Europe, people’s expectations were high.

Unlike the Volga-Don Canal, the operator of the canal consisted of a foreign consortium, including the Kazakh royal family.

A large number of foreign investment company owners and professional managers attended the opening ceremony.

Youngho urged them to attend, but Putin’s interest in the project to create tourist attractions around the canal had made the whole area a new investment destination.

The low investment risk for tourism service businesses also played a part.

“It’s like a dream. We initially planned to start the canal expansion work right after the collapse of the Soviet Union.”

Putin put on a look of emotion.

It was because Russia’s economy after the breakup of the Soviet Union was so messed up that it was said that it was worse than it was during the Soviet era.

“I hope the canal will bring a lot of changes in Russia.”

“Your Royal Highness. You’ve helped every time, but I haven’t been able to express proper gratitude.”

After recalling Putin’s words that he would give a gift, Youngho pretended to be modest.

“Don’t mention it. I emphasize that it is also beneficial to Kazakhstan. I’ll receive your heart graciously, and that’s enough. I’m satisfied that the two countries are closer than ever.”

“You embarrass me with your words. I couldn’t even help you when you had trouble with China. Please let me know if you have any munitions you want. We’ll support you with advanced weapons.”

Youngho doubted his ears.

No matter how much Russia had degenerated into a paper tiger, was it not a country that had a lot of unique technologies in the world?

Even the U.S. recognizes its military and space sciences.

Russia had a wide range of weapons, ranging from the best supersonic cruise missile to the Sukhoi Su 57 stealth fighter jet.

The Sukhoi Su 57 fighter jet was comparable to the F22 Raptor, which the U.S. had yet to export to Kazakhstan.

It was a tempting offer as the jet boasted a speed of Mach 2 and a flying distance of 5,000 kilometers.

“Since you say so, I have no choice but to ask you a favor. Will it be possible to produce a license for cruise missiles and Sukhoi Su-57? I’m willing to make a big investment in Russia if you promise me technology transfer.”

There was no hesitation because Youngho had Aliyev’s slush funds.

Putin, who was briefly lost in thought at Youngho’s suggestion, opened his mouth.

“How much would you be able to invest?”

“We can afford to invest about five billion dollars at a time.”

At Youngho’s answer, Putin breathed heavily.

This was because investment of five billion dollars at once was unprecedented in the world.

It was practically impossible to draw as much as 5 billion dollars in investment from a single country.

Youngho shook Putin further by adding some more words.

“Given the situation, we can increase our investment.”

“Your Royal Highness. As you well know, the Sukhoi Su-57 is a stealth jet that Russia boasts. China wanted it so badly, but we didn’t export it.”

Youngho leaned backward in his chair in a relaxed posture, as he had already read Putin’s expression. It was obvious that he wanted to get more out of Youngho even though he was refusing on the outside.

Putin smirked as if he was embarrassed when Youngho’s expression did not change.

“I guess I can’t shake you. With that kind of investment, we should go beyond everything and help with technology transfer and license production, right?”

“Thank you very much. Sooner or later, you’ll find that your decision is never made in vain.”

Putin also seemed to be tapping the calculator diligently in his head.

He knew the Kazakh royal family had a lot of money, but this much investment was unexpected.

If so, additional investments could be expected as long as the two countries’ relations were solid.

In addition, how many follow-up investments would be made by Western companies triggered by the Kazakh royal investment?

Putin, who felt better the more he thought about it, drew Youngho’s hand to have a drink at the Winter Palace built at the time of Imperial Russia.

Then, Youngho pleased Putin even more by asking to come with the chairmen of the consortium companies and executives of foreign investment companies who attended the event.

The thought that he had a chance to tell the foreign investors about what he discussed with the Duke today made Putin’s steps lighter.

If the Kazakh royal family announced its plan to invest five billion dollars at once, they would be interested in making investments thinking that there was a great business opportunity.

***

The Winter Palace, where Putin invited Youngho and foreign investors, was so spectacular that it dazzled.

The palace was built for Empress Elisabeth and was one of the largest palaces in Europe with more than 1,000 rooms.

Today, a banquet was held at the State Hermitage Museum, which was built by the famous Nicholas I, attached to the Winter Palace.

Putin finished his brief greeting and immediately came to the table where Youngho was at.

“Your Royal Highness. Would you mind if I share about the investment we just talked about?”

It was just a verbal promise, but Putin wanted to make it a fait accompli.

It was proof that Russia’s foreign exchange situation was difficult enough that it needed investment funds immediately.

“A verbal commitment is also a commitment, and my investment decision remains unchanged. Do as you please.”

There was nothing to hesitate in acquiring the technology of the latest Sukhoi Su fighter jets and cruise missiles.

When Youngho gladly agreed, Putin announced to the foreign guests that there would be a large-scale investment by the Kazakh royal family.

The investors of global companies were surprised by Putin’s announcement.

This was because the Kazakh royal family’s investment was like insurance that guaranteed safety.

As soon as Putin’s words were over, foreign investors immediately flocked to Youngho’s table.

If the Kazakh royal family had decided to invest, something worthy of investment must be going on.

A smile of satisfaction rose around Putin’s mouth watching this.

Although Youngho was surrounded by global investors, he was only excited to mass-produce the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets.

The cost of Sukhoi Su-57 was also cheaper than U.S. F-35 jets as well.

From the perspective of the U.S., which used to be so proud of its military advantage, it would be a bit bothersome, but what could it do?

If Michael of the U.S. CIS had heard of it, he would be embarrassed.

If Kazakhstan’s weapons system was changed to the Russian system, it would be a huge loss for the U.S. as well.

In order not to lose the huge market of Kazakhstan, it could also offer its Apache helicopter technology transfer.

This was because Kazakhstan’s purchasing power, which was in conflict with China, was so enormous.

Considering the size of Kazakhstan’s federal kingdom and its length of the border, which was 12,000 kilometers, it was quite obvious.

Youngho, who had been reluctant to accept the greetings of the global investors because of these thoughts, quickly returned to reality as Putin approached him with a glass of wine.

“Your Royal Highness. You saw the atmosphere. Isn’t the interest of global investors great? I guess the Kazakh royal family is like an insurance policy to them.”

“That’s how attractive the Russian market is. It has to be attractive because it has a lot of raw materials and high-quality manpower. There is no place like Russia when you think about logistics costs. The opening of the canal changed everything. Congratulations again.”

“Hahaha… I guess everything ends up with the canal.”

Although it was in an economically difficult situation, Russia’s potential should not be ignored.

Considering the huge land area that included inexhaustible underground resources and the proper population, it was a country that could be called a giant.

Considering the huge Siberia, Kazakhstan should maintain a strong relationship with Russia.

Siberia’s raw materials were essential to save the resources that would eventually run out.

And Russia was also the shortest-distance course to export Kazakhstan’s goods to the world, so it must remain an ally with Russia unconditionally.