Servant of the People in Kyiv

Anato stood up on behalf of Reuters and asked solemnly: "As far as we know, the Soviet Ministry of Internal Affairs will treat censors...

I would like to ask Mayor Haniyev, have you been subjected to any restrictions on your personal freedom, lynching, or other punishments during the investigation?"

Haniyev stood up, turned around, and said with a smile: "Do you think my current state of being able to move freely and be full of energy looks like I'm being tortured?

Don't judge an entire industry by the occasional individual behavior. Perhaps a Soviet internal security unit engaged in brutal law enforcement, but that was simply because the Soviet Union was so vast. I can responsibly say I haven't experienced or witnessed any lynching or other forms of punishment. I believe that whether it's the UK, France, or the US, you wouldn't dare or can't guarantee that there won't be lynching or other forms of punishment in your national police departments or prisons.

This question was the first of three questions submitted by Anato. Since he was Ukrainian and was more trusted by Kravchuk and others than foreign journalists, he was prepared to ask two questions.

Haniyev's words were flawless and well-reasoned. Seeing Kravchuk nod imperceptibly, Chekonenv said loudly, "Reuters was the first Western media outlet to enter Kiev. They have always reported fairly on us in the Soviet Union, so you can ask one more question."

For the first time, Anato was happy about his Soviet identity. After expressing his gratitude, he coughed lightly and asked, "Mayor Haniyev, are you aware that during your isolation and investigation, the enthusiastic citizens of Kyiv and the media were very concerned about your safety and well-being.

At the same time, the Soviet government's misleading of the masses with information has led to mass rallies in Kiev, Odessa, Kharkov, and other places. What are your thoughts on this?

In fact, there are several pitfalls in this question, because Kravchuk has already said in his explanation just now that it was not the Soviet government that deceived the people, but the published radiation list was not the latest one. The data leaked by Haniyev was the latest version. Because the radiation levels changed rapidly, and the central work of the Soviet Party Committee and government was focused on disaster relief, they neglected it.

It can be said that the issue of publishing false information to deceive the masses into continuing the May Day parade was covered up with this excuse.

Kravchuk's tone was "Whether you believe it or not, I believe it anyway."

However, Anatoly's question still characterized false information as the government deceiving the people. Even if Haniyev answered the question in accordance with his question, he would fall into a trap.

However, Anato and Haniyev are best friends, so this trap was naturally told in advance. The purpose was to make Anato perform well in front of the British boss, and Haniyev could also prepare in advance to avoid it.

Regarding Anato's questioning, Haniyev was of course very clear about what had happened, because both the person asking the question and himself answering the question were the driving force behind the mass events in Kiev.

Haniyev also has a very clear view on this matter, but as a spokesperson, and in such a sensitive period, and as a person who has just completed quarantine, he cannot say anything.

So all he could do was play dumb, and immediately said he had no knowledge of these things. At the same time, he loudly told everyone: The masses in the Soviet Union have the right to assemble and parade, and there are many activities every year. So his view on this activity is that allowing mass gatherings to occur shows that the leadership of Ukraine and the Soviet Union is not a dictatorship as the West says. Then he flattered Sherbitsky and finally evaded the issue.

After Anatole sat down, he was asked questions continuously by reporters from the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Deutsche Presse-Agentur, United Press International, and even Xinhua News Agency.

The questions asked by reporters from Xinhua News Agency and Deutsche Presse-Agentur were questions that had been submitted before, and Haniyev was ready to answer them. Other reporters asked some tricky questions on the spur of the moment.

It's not that Haniyev doesn't understand the Western tricks. After a little thought, he gave a relatively good answer. Even if his answer was not very appropriate, he did not fall into the trap.

By the time the press conference ended, it was almost 5 p.m.

After watching the reporters and photographers leave one after another, Haniyev let out a long sigh and slumped in his chair. He felt a sense of fatigue and tension that he had not experienced when he was dealing with the nuclear power plant explosion in the early morning of the 26th.

Kravchuk walked over with a smile, shook hands with Hanif, and whispered, "You performed very well. The leaders should be very happy."

Novikov had emerged from a corner at some point, looking much more relaxed than before the press conference. He unbuttoned his collar, patted Haniyev on the shoulder, and smiled. "You're truly smart and courageous, and you handled the situation very well. I think if you had a better background, weren't a grassroots official, and hadn't been caught up in the nuclear power plant accident, perhaps you could work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

Although Haniyev was physically and mentally exhausted, he did not dare to be arrogant. He stood up and politely chatted with Kravchuk and Novikov for a long time. Only then did the two leaders leave with the other leaders of Kiev.

The Kiev government, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the television station all collected first-hand video footage of the press conference. These materials will be edited and reviewed before being broadcast on Ukrainian television stations and even Moscow television stations. However, the original version before editing must first be submitted to Secretary Sherbitsky for review.

Therefore, the participants in this press conference were all very satisfied, but whether they were truly satisfied with the results would have to wait until the main leaders reviewed it and gave instructions.

Knowing that the exact news would have to come tomorrow at the latest, Haniyev, after dealing with these leaders, especially talking for a while with Secretary Chekhov who was optimistic about and admired him, and Kartov, with whom he had a close relationship, returned to the bedroom arranged for him in the guesthouse to have a good rest.

Chapter 063 Personal Honor and Disgrace (10)

When Haniyev returned to his room, he saw that Natasha had already made tea for him and was welcoming him with a smile and open arms.

Haniyev hugged her tightly and gave her a deep kiss, then the two sat on the sofa and talked sweetly.

After a while, Natasha began to report her work to Haniyev in a low voice.

After just a few words, Haniyev suddenly stopped her and tiptoed around the room looking for something. Ten minutes later, he found several eavesdropping devices under the bed, under the table, and inside the bookcase.

After seeing the bug, Haniyev knew that he had not yet gained Novikov's trust, or Sherbitsky's trust. Even if they could not find any clues of his treason, because he had cooperated with foreign news agencies, they would remain suspicious of him and could not fully trust him.

Haniyev was in a very bad mood, but he quickly adjusted his attitude and deliberately said loudly: "Natasha, I can't watch millions of people in Kiev suffer from radiation damage. We have relatives and friends here. I want to change it through institutional means.

But I am in a low position and my words have no influence. I remember that our General Secretary allowed the entry of Western media, so I used Western media with his permission. How could he keep censoring me?

Moreover, his so-called reforms also took into account the opinions of his close friend Zdeněk Mlynář, a Czech who had betrayed the revolution and the Soviets.

If I am a traitor for risking my own future and using foreign media to save millions of people, then what is our General Secretary?"

Natasha turned pale with fear. She pulled Haniyev up and whispered, "Are you trying to kill yourself? The Ministry of Internal Affairs will hear this."

At this time, Haniyev already knew that he was in Ukraine, and the person who would deal with him and decide his fate was Ukraine's main leader Sherbitsky.

Sherbitsky did not support Gorbachev's Westernization reforms, but the imbalance of position and power made it impossible for him to stop it. All he could do was to put constraints on others.

But no matter what he thought or did, Haniyev was sure that Sherbitsky looked down on Gordić in his heart and even wanted to overthrow Gordić.

Therefore, the discovery of the eavesdropping device at this critical moment when he had already expressed his position at the press conference meant that Sherbitsky, as a conservative leader, was somewhat worried about him because of his contact with Reuters.

In order to completely dispel Sherbitsky's worries, Haniyev planned to use this eavesdropping device to portray himself as a conservative party member who was loyal to the Soviet Union and had feelings for the Soviet people. He would scoff at the reforms that Gorbachev wanted to make, and even fabricate slander to question whether Gorbachev was a foreign spy.

It would be very disadvantageous for Haniyev if such words were in Sherbitsky's hands. Even if the crisis was over, as long as they were leaked, Haniyev would be arrested, investigated and sent to labor camp for his words and deeds that slandered and insulted the number one leader of the Party and the Soviet Union.

Haniyev was still very decisive at this critical moment. He knew that he could not bet on both sides. Not to mention whether Gorbachev would accept him, even if he was willing to take him in as his lackey, he would never follow him to become a tainted official, so as not to become an unlucky official after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Therefore, as a Ukrainian from the Ukrainian Republic, Haniyev, as long as he is not stupid, will place all his bets on Sherbitsky.

After cursing Gorbachev and the so-called reformists, Haniyev complained again, then sat back on the bed and whispered in Natasha's ear, "Don't touch these bugs. Just pretend you don't know. If you have any private topics, just whisper them in my ear."

Natasha nodded, and then reported in detail to Haniyev how she implemented the plan arranged by Haniyev step by step after she left on the night of April 30, and also talked about the changes in public opinion and public sentiment on May 1 and May 2.

Haniyev is well aware of Sherbitsky's control over Ukraine. Even if foreign media and consulates are secretly making trouble, Kiev, as the capital of Ukraine, can quickly suppress it, and even other regions can deal with it quickly.

But in fact, these mass incidents were not dealt with in a timely manner, and eventually they became more and more serious, forcing Moscow to no longer dare to insist on severe punishment.

Haniyev knew clearly in his mind that the old fox Sherbitsky would take advantage of the situation and use him to make things bigger in order to get rid of Gorbachev's control over him and prevent Gorbachev from catching him by the tail.

After figuring out this relationship, Haniyev suddenly understood why Sherbitsky asked him to have breakfast with him this morning. It was obvious that he wanted to see if his intelligence could meet his standards. If not, he would use this opportunity to abandon him. If he was capable of being trained, he would definitely reuse him.

Haniyev suddenly felt that he had achieved certain results with his passion and immature plans. Although his actions were clearly visible to Sherbitsky, as long as he maintained this personality, Sherbitsky might think that he could easily control him. By then, this small shrimp might really be able to directly cling to the big legs of the First Secretary of Ukraine.

After figuring everything out, Haniyev sorted out his thoughts on his gains and losses in this roundabout way of saving the country, and had a clear understanding of his personal gains and losses, honor and disgrace in this incident. Then he hugged Natasha and fell asleep impatiently.

The content of the press conference on the afternoon of May 2nd became a heavyweight news report in European countries, the United States, Japan and even China that evening.

However, after review and adjustment, the content of the press conference was not published on the Soviet evening news until 10 pm.

After being reported in newspapers and morning news broadcasts throughout the night and morning, the nuclear leak incident gave an explanation to the people of Ukraine, Belarus, the Soviet Union and even the people of the world.

As for the Soviet government's falsification of nuclear radiation levels, which caused a stir on May 1st, they also admitted it at the press conference. In other words, the published data was not the latest measurement data, as the negligence of individual staff members nearly led to a disaster...

The result of the handling was naturally to arrest a few employees to take the blame.

Haniyev also became a positive role model overnight.

In official Soviet reports of all sizes, he was listed alongside leading cadres of varying ranks, including Sherbitsky, Kravchuk, Academician Valery Legasov, and General Vladimir Pikalov, becoming an "outstanding Soviet cadre who was responsible, capable, and decisive in handling the nuclear accident, saving hundreds of thousands of people."

In particular, reports within Ukraine tied Haniyev and Sherbitsky together, portraying Haniyev as Sherbitsky's student, who made the decisive decisions to evacuate and organize the May Day parade and celebrations because he understood the spirit of Secretary Sherbitsky's speech on accident handling.

As for the leak of the real radiation data on May 1, the tone was changed. It turned out that the careful comrade Haniyev discovered that the radiation information released by the government the night before was a thousand times different from the latest information. In order to ensure the safety of the lives of Kyiv citizens in the ever-changing crisis, Comrade Haniyev immediately sent the latest radiation monitoring data to domestic and foreign news agencies, hoping that they could report it as soon as possible.

This shows that the Soviet Union's excellent political system was not afraid of Western media reporting, and it also shows that Secretary Gorbachev's opening up to Western media was truly open, not just in name only, and that he was willing to share even the most important news with Western news agencies.

At the same time, it demonstrated the spirit of responsibility and courage of Soviet officials, and showed that although General Secretary Gorbachev's comprehensive reforms had just begun, they had already affected cadres, indicating that the reforms had begun to show results.

Chapter 064 Personal Honor and Disgrace (11)

After the series of events and related personnel of the nuclear accident were basically characterized in the Soviet Union and abroad, daily news reports turned to the construction of the radiation-proof sarcophagus and the estimation of subsequent impacts.

As a hot topic, Haniyev gradually disappeared from daily news reports on the morning of May 5.

However, this good mayor, who was only remembered by chance, was given a long vacation by Chekhov after the 4th. He returned to his home and spent every day with his father, mother, younger brother and younger sister.

Because there is still a weak radioactive dust in the air, it is not necessary. No one in Kiev has been going out for so many days, according to the term provided by Haniyev to Kravchuk.

The official statement is that Kyiv has now entered a state of "citywide silence". Except for basic material supplies, all entertainment and commercial activities have been suspended.

Work units also arrange shifts, and all employees must wear urgently allocated radiation-proof clothing, helmets, masks, etc.

It can be said that the current high tension and strict protection in Kyiv are purely because foreign media and consular ambassadors have been paying close attention to the impact and handling of this incident.

From General Secretary Gorbachev to the mayor of Kiev, officials at all levels were forced to do better in order not to affect the image of the Soviet Union.

If it weren't for their attention, the Soviet Union could have scored 60 points on this answer sheet. Now with their attention, it must achieve 100 points, or even 110 or 120 points.

Because the Soviet Union and the United States have been fighting for half a century, and in recent years, due to the failure of the Afghan War, the Soviet Union has become extremely weak, and Gotland has completely given up the confrontation.

Although Gorbachev is a capitulator in the ideological struggle, he has not yet monopolized power and dares not act completely according to his own ideas. He is always constrained by conservatives such as Soviet veterans and the Ukrainian gang and has to compromise with them. Therefore, the way of handling many international and domestic affairs is still Soviet style, and he has not chosen to lie down.

So after the Soviet model was implemented, this huge machine was put into operation a little bit and handled all aspects of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident quickly and well. Compared with the Three Mile Island incident in the United States, the actions of the Soviet government can be said to be remarkable.

Haniyev feels very comfortable at home during his holidays these days.

Although the surveillance and monitoring of him seemed to have stopped, he did not dare to go out casually. The first reason was that there was still a certain amount of radioactive dust in the air and it was too dangerous to go out casually.

The second reason is that there is no need for me to go out if I don’t have any work arrangements. If I run out at this critical juncture, I will most likely be spotted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or even the KGB, and they will think that I really have other ideas, so it is better for me to stay at home obediently.

Haniyev was on vacation, and other officials in the Chernobyl region also took adjusted leave, including Natasha. So Haniyev stayed at home these days, either talking on the phone with Natasha to relieve his homesickness or eating and drinking every day.

Apart from this, what keeps Haniyev busy every day is watching TV and following domestic and international news.

All news in the Soviet Union had to be censored and filtered, so many news reports could not reveal the true situation. Haniyev wanted to find out the progress of the cleanup and closure of the nuclear power plant, but he did not have the right opportunity or channel.

If he had called Chekhov, Gladkov, or Kartov, he might have been able to get some information, but Hanyev was worried that his home phone was now being monitored by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, so he did not call them, for fear that any extraordinary behavior would make them think he was dishonest.

Haniyev suddenly thought of Wang Mang, Sima Yi, Zeng Guofan, Yuan Shikai and other people in Chinese history who had been unemployed at home, so he specially found a Russian version of the Tao Te Ching to read. After that, he read a large number of books, such as Pushkin's poetry collection, the complete works of Tolstoy, the complete works of Gorky, etc. His mood became very peaceful and he no longer cared about the changes in the outside world.

Respond to change with constancy, wait for everything to settle down, and then just work with peace of mind.

Haniyev suddenly realized that his rank was too low and his power was too small. It was not easy to dance on a tightrope without getting into trouble. Now that he had become the "Haniyev Justice" in the hearts of the Ukrainian people and had a consistent good reputation at home and abroad, he had already made a fortune. It was really not suitable for him to think or do anything else.

In a blink of an eye, it was May 7th. Because he had read the trilogy "written" by Brezhnev for a long time the night before, Haniyev was still asleep at around eight o'clock in the morning. He gradually regained consciousness after the door was knocked several times.

"Who?"

Mother Natalia's voice came: "Victor, get up and get dressed. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is here to pick you up."

"what?"

Hearing the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Haniyev suddenly woke up and asked while putting on his clothes: "Who led the team? What's their name? What's the matter?"

Father Vladimir's voice rang out: "It was Comrade Novikov, the First Minister of Internal Affairs, who came in person. He told me that Secretary Shcherbysky wanted to see you, so he told us not to worry."

Hearing this, Haniyev breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that the incident in the Chernobyl area was now a done deal. Not only had the personnel been evacuated, but the subsequent impact and harm had also been reduced to the lowest level with his participation. Even though the Soviet masters did not know how serious the consequences would have been without Haniyev, they could understand that Haniyev had dared to take responsibility and saved millions of Ukrainian people.

Haniyev knew very well that Sherbitsky had fallen into the trap of Gordi's conspiracy, but was rescued by himself. The secretary must have understood that it was the little Haniyev who directly helped him overcome the crisis by disrupting the May Day activities.

Logically speaking, this gesture of help alone would be enough to replace a regional director or even a regional secretary, so Haniyev felt that unless there were any major surprises, it was natural for Sherbitsky to meet with him.

Moreover, the crisis of the nuclear power plant accident has basically passed. The relevant personnel and locations have been handled in an orderly manner according to the plan, and the radiation-proof sarcophagus is about to be completed.

Rewarding officials based on their merits and punishing incompetent officials are routine practices. Now those who should be punished have been punished, but there has been no progress on those who should be rewarded.

Just looking at how regional officials handled and responded to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, Haniyev felt he must be the best.

As an outstanding local official with outstanding performance, he should be appreciated and rewarded by Sherbyski, the top local leader and a big shot in the central faction.

No matter which of Sherbitsky's two meanings Novikov represented by his coming, or even both, it would not be a bad thing.

Haniyev knew that this time when he "entered the palace to meet the emperor", it might not be a simple chat, but might be related to his own career and future.

Haniyev was a little uneasy, even nervous. After getting dressed, he hurriedly looked at the notebook of "draft for meeting the emperor" that he had prepared in advance. Only when he felt confident did he take the time to wash up. Before going out, he changed into his best handmade suit, combed his hair, and prepared to meet Secretary Sherbitsky in the best possible manner.

Chapter 065 Personal Honor and Disgrace (12)

After getting into Novikov's Seagull car, Haniyev waved goodbye to his parents.

But Vladimir and Natalia watched the cars start and watched the three cars drive away from Zhukov Street until they could no longer see anything, then they returned to the room with serious expressions.

In the back seat of the car, Novikov sat next to Haniyev. The leather seats were very comfortable, which seemed to make Haniyev feel better.

After a few casual greetings, Haniyev clearly felt that Novikov's attitude towards him was more friendly than before.

Haniyev knew very well that Novikov's attitude actually represented Sherbitsky's opinion and attitude towards him to a certain extent, so the uneasiness in his heart gradually disappeared.

Haniyev thought to himself, "It seems that Sherbitsky has felt relieved after investigating me."

Haniyev knew that he had gained the trust of the big boss Sherbitsky. First, his background was clean and his motives were simple. Second, after a thorough investigation by the professionals of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, they could not find any violation of rules or discipline or any act of treason against the country.

The third was that during the last "meeting with the emperor", he handled the conversation with Sherbitsky appropriately, and made him realize that he was his little fan, and should have been appreciated by him.

These days, he has been waiting for this major event to brew and ferment. Sherbitsky is also waiting for things to brew and ferment. In all likelihood, he wants to see the final results of the investigation and see whether this young man is worthy of his trust.

Now that Novikov came to pick him up in person, it meant that Sherbitsky had decided to take him in.

Haniyev secretly decided in his heart that he must seize this opportunity.

He knew that if he missed this opportunity, he would not have made much progress in politics before the collapse of the Soviet Union.