Servant of the People in Kyiv

After seeing Anato off, Tatiana arrived again. She had no classes tomorrow morning, so she planned to stay here today.

Natalia was so happy to know that her daughter-in-law would not leave tonight that she went to buy some steaks and pork elbows and made a sumptuous meal.

Chapter 117 Moscow

The rigid Soviet system was extremely painful for the people. Supplies were scarce, and people had to queue up to buy bread. Meat, vegetables, and fruit were hard to come by. However, for officials, their power and status enabled their families to receive very preferential treatment. For example, Haniyev's family had two department-level leaders, so their daily food and drink were naturally good and they never had to queue up to buy anything.

There is a kind of corruption called economic corruption, and another kind of corruption called political corruption. In a red empire like the Soviet Union, the problem of economic corruption has never been the most serious and the most damaging to the foundation. From top to bottom, political corruption can be seen everywhere in the form of enjoying privileges, abusing power for personal gain, and violating rules.

Even though Haniyev was a man with great ideals and ambitions, he and his family had been enjoying the political privileges that came with his promotion, and he himself was so happy with it that he didn't even notice it.

Finally, after spending two good days at home, Haniyev went to the Organization Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to get his file, and then boarded a plane to Moscow with the farewell of his relatives, friends and lover.

As an official transferred across borders, Haniyev's files and party organization relations must be transferred to the Organization Department of the Central Committee of Russia and handed over to local management.

As soon as Haniyev got off the plane, he felt the cold wind blowing on his face. The perceived temperature in Moscow seemed to be about ten degrees colder than that in Kiev.

Haniyev believes that he shoulders a heavy responsibility and is the savior of Ukraine, so he has always lacked the bravery of the fighting nation. He cherishes his life the most and is cautious.

After two shivers, Haniyev hurriedly quickened his pace, changed his coat in the airport bathroom, and then dragged his suitcase out of the airport.

The existence of the Soviet Union has one benefit for people of all nationalities in each member state, and that is that the Russian language is very popular. It can even be said that most Ukrainians and Belarusians do not speak their native languages ​​as well as Russian.

Therefore, when Haniyev arrived in Moscow, he had no difficulty communicating with people or taking the bus, even though it was his first time in Moscow.

The bus swayed slowly until it reached the center of Moscow. At this point, Haniyev had to change two buses. The thought of this made him feel exhausted. He saw a subway station ahead and hurriedly got off the bus, pulling his suitcase to take the subway.

The Moscow subway is different from the Khitan subway. At first glance, it looks like a big circle inside a small circle. Haniyev looked at it for a long time before he determined the route.

So about an hour later, it was already past nine o'clock in the evening, and Haniyev dragged his tired body along the Moscow River to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guest House.

This is a classical building with East Slavic architectural style. It is also the hotel where the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs receives foreign guests. As a leading cadre of the African Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Haniyev can live in the guesthouse for free with a red-headed document before officially reporting and being assigned housing by the organization.

After communicating with several beautiful blonde young women at the front desk for half a day, especially after they discovered that Haniyev was the "reform pioneer" created by the General Secretary, their attitude towards Haniyev suddenly became enthusiastic.

So Haniyev quickly moved into a standard room.

The environment of the guesthouse was very good and the beds were very comfortable. Haniyev fell into a deep sleep soon after washing up.

After waking up the next day, Haniyev spent one ruble to call his family on the phone at the guesthouse to report his safety, and then spent five rubles on a hearty breakfast. Then he dressed up and took his files and documents to the Moscow White House, which was across the river from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs guesthouse.

This is the office location of the Supreme Soviet and the Organization Department of the Central Committee.

Haniyev spent two hours in the office building to finalize his organizational relationship, and then prepared to report to the diplomatic building.

After leaving the Moscow White House, Haniyev sighed lightly. Before going in, he was still thinking whether he would be lucky enough to meet some Russian celebrities who had not yet become famous, but it turned out that he didn't know any of the people he met.

"Putin should still be a KGB agent, and Medvedev should still be teaching at a university...

As for the people who were in power before Putin, most of them are now Gorbachev’s senior advisors and the murderers who destroyed the Red Empire. I really don’t want to see them…”

Muttering to himself, Haniyev took the subway. After about an hour, he finally arrived at the foot of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building.

This is a building with a unique style, which has both Gothic and industrial elements. It was a high-rise building ordered to be built by the loving father during the Stalin era. It was one of the best buildings in Moscow at that time, and it still looks majestic now.

As they approached the building, plainclothes police stopped Haniyev. After showing him his documents, a policeman took him into the building.

Soon Haniyev met the director of the African Department, Kuzhugaitsky, a man about fifty years old with white hair and beard. He took off his reading glasses, looked at Haniyev carefully, and nodded.

"You are a big star in our Soviet Union, Comrade Secretary Haniyev."

"Everything is for the Soviet, and the small achievements I have made are also due to the guidance of the General Secretary.

Coming to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I am still a primary school student in front of you."

Seeing Haniyev so modest and cautious, and his words were so flawless, Kurugaitosky was shocked and said, "He is indeed a hero. No wonder the Minister specifically asked me to bring you to him after you report. You are a young talent!"

Haniyev smiled slightly. Kuzhugaitsky had already picked up the phone: "Put me in the minister's office."

After a moment, Kuzhugaitowski put down the phone.

"Let's go. The minister is here. He's very busy lately and has to call back Sankara, who rejected his loan application. We have some time now, so let's go."

Kurugetsky said as he stood up, and Haniyev followed him quietly.

As he walked, Haniyev thought: Sankara, it must be Sankara from Burkina Faso. He was a true proletarian revolutionary. I remember that he would soon be killed by his close comrade Komboré. Then, Burkina Faso, which had just entered the future, returned to the traditional African region and has since lost its international fame...

I was assigned to the African Department, which was not as good as the European Department and the Asian Department where I preferred to go. However, Africa was in great chaos at that time, and many regimes were looking forward to Soviet assistance, especially Burkina Faso.

Now is no longer the time to give out billions of subsidies. The Afghan war has plunged the Soviet Union into a quagmire, and Gorbachev's reforms have also made him focus on domestic affairs and unable to take care of himself. At this time, the Soviet Union has no time and energy to care about international affairs, let alone continue to export revolution.

But we can ignore the others. Sankara is the only communist hero since Castro and Guevara. In recent decades, only Sankara has succeeded, and only he is still practicing socialism after his success. This is a banner of communism. If he does not fall, can he restore some confidence in socialism at home and abroad?

If I could help Sankara, wouldn't that also be helping the proletarian revolutionary cause and indirectly helping the Soviet Union?

Chapter 118 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Burkina Faso was originally named "Upper Volta" after the French colonized this place. It is an inland country located in the upper reaches of the Volta River in western Africa. It has a land area of ​​274122 square kilometers and a population of eight million.

Since its independence in 1961, Upper Volta has been plagued by civil wars and coups due to French intervention, making this already poor and weak country even more backward. It was not until the emergence of Sankara that everything changed.

In August 1983, young military officer Thomas Sankara launched a coup and seized power. The new leader of Upper Volta was only 34 years old.

On August 4, 1984, Sankara changed the name of Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means "country of upright men" in the local language, and implemented the socialist system. Unfortunately, the policies he implemented touched the interests of many people. Finally, on October 15, 1987, Captain Blaise Compaoré, then Minister of State, launched a coup and killed Sankara to become the head of state. The two had been close comrades and sworn brothers before the coup.

After Sankara's death, Burkina Faso fell back into the backward, poor and corrupt environment that was expected of the African region, and has since lost its presence in the world.

Because of Sankara's appearance, the poor people of Burkina Faso were respected and treated as human beings for the first time. Unfortunately, such a "gentleman" was not tolerated in the "country of gentlemen".

No small country in the world can enjoy international reputation and influence due to its small national strength, but only those that are fortunate enough to have great leaders will become internationally famous. Cuba is known to the world because of Castro and Che Guevara, Singapore is brilliant because of Lee Kuan Yew, and Burkina Faso has also gained some international fame because of Sankara. It's a pity that Sankara's time in power was too short, otherwise he would definitely become a banner of socialism in West Africa.

Although Haniyev was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union at that time, he did not dare to say from the bottom of his heart that he was a firm believer in socialism. He believed that he could not be as selfless and brave as Sankara, so he admired great men such as Sankara, Che Guevara, Ho Chi Minh, and Shi Sangazi from the bottom of his heart.

Out of selfish motives, Haniyev was willing to help Sankara. He could not bear to see such an outstanding figure die, nor could he bear to see the socialist cause in West Africa die. Out of public interest, Haniyev was more willing to help Sankara. Now is an era where the western wind prevails over the eastern wind. The superiority of capitalism seems to have surpassed socialism, which even the Soviets recognize.

From East Germany and West Germany in Europe to North Korea and South Korea in Asia, and from the Soviet Union and the United States, the socialist camp was defeated in the competition between socialism and capitalism in all aspects.

The wealth of West Germany and South Korea and the poverty of East Germany and North Korea, the poverty and material scarcity of the Soviet people and the wealth, freedom and food and drink of the American people have made many people in the world disappointed in socialism.

Therefore, after the death of Comrade Brezhnev, the Soviet Union stopped exporting ideology and revolution, and the former billion-dollar subsidy giant became unable to take care of itself.

From all aspects, the bipolar competition has reached the decisive moment, and the Soviet Union's defeat is a foregone conclusion.

However, when it will fail is still unknown. Even Reagan, the "anti-Soviet expert", may not know. Gorbachev and his gang are the gravediggers who pressed the accelerator of defeat.

In this world where the westerly wind is blowing strongly, Burkina Faso led by Sankara is a breath of fresh air and a banner that proves the correctness of the socialist cause. However, at this time, the socialist big brother and the second brother are no longer able to support their own cause, so this banner quickly fell under the pressure of internal and external troubles.

If the Soviet Union could help Sankara stabilize Burkina Faso, Burkina Faso might become the only clear stream in the African region, just like Nanjie Village in Khitan. Its existence will constantly remind the world that it is not socialism that is not good, but some people are not good.

This would be of great benefit to the cause of socialism, help reverse some of the "anti-socialist" trends, and might even slow down the collapse of the Soviet Union.

While walking through the corridors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, Haniyev carefully asked the Director of the African Department, Kuzhugaitsky, about the situation in Burkina Faso and other African countries, and gradually understood the Soviet Union's attitude towards African countries.

Kuzhugaitsky treated Haniyev quite kindly and was not impatient. Instead, he responded from time to time. He only frowned when Haniyev asked the tenth question.

"You're already showing concern for the work of our African Department before you officially take up your post. That's great. But Comrade Haniyev, I have to remind you that Africa is on the edge of the world. For many years, we haven't extended our reach into Africa. Even though we helped Angola achieve unification, helped Ethiopia reclaim the Ogaden, and thwarted South Africa's interference in the Angolan Civil War, the fact is that socialism has not been able to stay in Africa..."

Kuzhugaitsky sighed, stopped, and turned to look at Haniyev.

"Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs' job is to liaise with ambassadors and ambassadors abroad, negotiate with them according to the Führer's wishes, protect our compatriots, and safeguard our interests. However, in recent years, the Asian, European, and American departments have been the busiest in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our African Department doesn't have much work to do, and African countries are not important to us Soviets. Do you understand?"

Haniyev moved his lips and was about to speak when Kuzhugaitsky pointed to the walnut door in front and said, "We have arrived at the Foreign Minister's office. Comrade Eduard Amvrosievich Shevardnadze is a serious man. You must be careful when speaking to the Minister and don't let him have a bad impression of you."

Haniyev nodded and stopped talking. He had realized that his constant asking about the situation in Africa had made Kuzhugaitsky a little angry, so he deliberately used the minister to scare him.

Although what Kuzhugaitsky said contained some elements of bluffing and intimidation towards Haniyev, he was right in one thing: the Soviet Union had spent a lot of effort in Africa and even spent a lot of money to support Cuba's military deployment, just to support the establishment of several socialist countries in the African region.

However, the reality went against one's wishes. Even though the Cuban coaching team and Soviet planes and tanks were airdropped into Africa and achieved many results such as helping Angola unify and Ethiopia regain lost territory, socialism ultimately did not take root in Africa, let alone blossom and bear fruit.

However, even if you try hard to plant flowers, they may not bloom, but if you plant willows by accident, they may grow into a shade. The concept of communism can filter out most mediocre people. No matter how bad Africa is, there will always be one or two outstanding people.

Sankara came into being after the Soviet Union withdrew from Africa. At this time, the Soviet leaders were no longer able to export and had switched from offense to defense in the game with the United States. The Soviet Union's national strength was also unable to provide foreign aid. Therefore, what Kuzhugaitsky said was correct. The Soviet Union would no longer care about Africa, and Africa was no longer important to the Soviet Union.

Haniyev had different opinions from Kuzhugaitsky, but he knew that it was useless to say more, so he kept silent.

After knocking on the door a few times, Kuzhugaitsky pushed it open and walked in with Haniyev.

The spacious and bright office is furnished with exquisite leather sofas and walnut coffee tables, and the floor is covered with Georgian carpets. In the inner part is a large maroon desk with piles of documents and several telephones on it. On the left side of the desk is a huge globe more than one meter tall, with very detailed maps of the countries on it.

Sitting behind the desk was a white-haired old man wearing a navy blue suit and a maroon tie. He had a high hairline, slightly curly hair with a silver sheen, and big, bright eyes. He looked very solemn and serious, and he must have been a very handsome boy when he was young.

Having done his homework before coming, Haniyev recognized at a glance that the silver-haired old man was Eduard Amvrosievich Shevardnadze, the former First Secretary of Georgia and current Soviet Foreign Minister.

"Minister Shevardnadze, Comrade Viktor Vladimirvich Haniyev has arrived."

Kuzhugaitsky walked to the table and motioned for Haniyev to greet him.

Seeing Shevardnadze put down his pen and look up, Haniyev stepped forward and said in a loud voice, "Viktor Vladimirvich Haniyev, Secretary of the Party Group of the Third Division of the African Department, is here to report. It's a pleasure to meet you, Comrade Eduard Amvrosievich Shevardnadze."

Shevardnadze smiled and nodded, glancing at Kuzhugaitsky. "The Burkina Faso embassy just delivered another telegram from Sankara. I don't need to meet him to know it's another request for a loan. The General Secretary hates it most when small countries beg us for favors. Draft an official document. I'll meet with the Burkina Faso ambassador later to give them a clear response."

Kuzhugaitsky agreed and left. Shevardnadze stood up and pointed to the sofa outside: "Sit down and talk. What would you like to drink?"

Haniyev knew that the Foreign Minister was very busy, but he took the time out to see him and was so kind that he wanted to treat him to a drink. He must have been doing this to show respect to the General Secretary and Sherbitsky.

"Black tea will be fine, thank you, Minister."

After carefully sitting down, Haniyev waited for a moment before a well-proportioned middle-aged woman came out of the suite and poured two cups of tea.

The minister took a sip of tea and smiled, "Don't be shy. The Africa Department doesn't have much work to do. Mr. Shcherbitsky also called me. I know he values ​​you very much, and the General Secretary also appreciates you. But your position is very awkward, otherwise you would have been given a more important position long ago. You know what I mean."

Haniyev nodded: "I understand."

"In the Soviet Union, it's not easy for people like us from the Soviet republics to rise high and go far. I'm very happy that you've come to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I've had some dealings with Secretary Shcherbitsky, and he's helped me a lot, which I'll always remember. You don't have to worry about working under Kuzhugaitsky; he's very easy to get along with."

"Thank you for your concern."

Chapter 119 You Should Help Sankara

After a long exchange of pleasantries, Haniyev understood what Shevardnadze meant.

Sherbitsky must have promoted him before, so after receiving instructions from Sherbitsky, Shevardnadze was very enthusiastic about Haniyev.

After understanding the minister's intention, Haniyev quickly expressed his feelings, "Thank you, Minister. Don't worry, I will tell Mr. Shcherbitsky about your care for me. As a fellow member of the Soviet republic in Moscow, I will always remember your kindness to me and will never forget it."

Shevardnadze laughed and asked, "You just arrived in Moscow and don't have a place to live yet?"

"Yes, Mr. Minister, I arrived yesterday and stayed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guest House."

"Ah."

Shevardnadze thought for a moment and said, "The dormitory of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs is behind the Leningrad Hotel. The conditions are quite good. However, since you are a person favored by our General Secretary, you should live in a better place. How about this? We have several suites in the Cultural Apartments. I can authorize you to live in one of them. What do you think?"

There are many villas and high-end apartments in Moscow. These have been places for senior officials to live in since the Stalin era. Not to mention the villas, the most high-end apartments are the Model Worker Apartments. All the people who can live in them are stars and ministerial leaders in the Soviet literary and art circles. The second most expensive apartment after the Model Worker Apartments is the Cultural Personages Apartments.

The Cultural Personnel Apartments were originally a place for aerospace heroes and senior officials to live in as a reward from the Supreme Soviet. Later, well-known figures also moved in one after another. If an official within the system wanted to live there, he not only had to have connections, but also had to have an administrative level around the ministerial level.

Logically speaking, Haniyev was far from qualified to live in the apartment for intellectuals, but Shevardnadze was willing to give him the house. This was a great honor and care. Haniyev would naturally not refuse to enjoy the blessing. He stood up and solemnly expressed his gratitude to the minister.

Shevardnadze smiled and waved his hand. "You're welcome. You're new here, so there must be a lot of inconveniences. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

Haniyev smiled and said, "It's nothing. Even if there are some, they are all minor issues. I can overcome them myself."

"Very good. I heard that you requested to come to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. What are your thoughts on being assigned to the African Affairs Department? How do you plan to carry out your work?"

Shevardnadze nodded with satisfaction and asked casually.

Haniyev gritted his teeth, leaned forward, and said, "Since you asked, I'll be bold and say it, Your Excellency. I had some ideas before I came here, and after discussing them with Your Excellency the Director, my thoughts have become clearer."

"Oh? Tell me."

"I heard that Sankara of Burkina Faso applied for aid and loans from us, but the General Secretary has no intention of helping them, right?"

"That's right, we are not planning to focus on other countries now."

“I think you should push for aid to Burkina Faso.”

Shevardnadze raised his eyebrows, lay back on the sofa, and asked, "Why do you think so?"

"Although I've never worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before, I know to some extent that the international influence of our socialism is plummeting. Even the people of the Soviet Union have lost confidence in socialism. Otherwise, why would the General Secretary learn from the Western model to carry out reforms?"

After learning that Shevardnadze had a good relationship with Shcherbitsky, Haniyev decided to do something for Sankara, so he boldly expressed his true thoughts.

"I feel that the current international environment is very unfriendly to the socialist camp. Capitalism has gradually gained the right to speak. At this time, we must defend the position of public opinion, otherwise socialism will lose its status in the hearts of the people..."

Shevardnadze frowned slightly. "You think Burkina Faso is an outstanding socialist country and that we should help it establish the correctness of socialism?"

Haniyev nodded and said, "Yes, but I don't think it's Burkina Faso that's outstanding, it's Sankara. I think Sankara is the second Che Guevara in our socialist camp. As long as we are willing to help him, Burkina Faso will become a beacon for the entire Africa. If the beacon of Africa is a socialist country, does that mean that socialism is no worse than capitalism?"

"You speak highly of Sankara."

Shevardnadze smiled softly. "The General Secretary won't agree. We don't have the energy to help Sankara. The Afghan war has already wasted too much of our energy and resources. The General Secretary's current focus is on reform at home and ending the Afghan war abroad. He's also trying to build good relations with the West, led by the United States. Why would he care about a tiny country like Burkina Faso?"