"Certainly not directly recruiting Chemezov himself": What threats might selective lifting of sanctions on high-ranking officials bring?"

Is the US trying to cultivate a "fifth column" in Russia or acting out of goodwill?

Author: Dmitry Rodionov

Photo (from left to right): Russian President Vladimir Putin and Sergey Chemezov, head of the Russian State Corporation Rostec

Experts participating in the discussion:

  • Alexander Averin
  • Igor Shatov

According to the message from the Russian State Corporation Rostec, a document possibly related to Washington's plans to lift sanctions against its head, Sergey Chemezov, appeared on the US Department of Justice website.

In particular, the document shows that the US company Rathmell Short LLP is providing administrative and legal consulting services for Chemezov.

A source said: "We discovered this document today. This is an action initiated by the US side, which has launched a review and decision-making process regarding sanctions measures against the company's management."

Another source revealed that there was a signature on the document from a lobbyist and advisor closely associated with the US president.

The source pointed out: "It can be speculated that the Trump administration is pushing to lift sanctions on senior Russian officials to continue cooperation and business dealings."

It is reported that the Russian State Corporation Rostec welcomed the efforts by the US side to lift sanctions on its leader, stating that it would restore previously suspended cooperation.

But is this really something to welcome? First of all, lifting personal sanctions on Chemezov alone will not fundamentally change anything.

Secondly, this could be a trap. Lifting personal sanctions on senior officials looks very much like an attempt to cultivate a "fifth column" within Russian officials...

Otherwise, why would Americans do this?

"Americans want to know how much progress Russian companies have made during the sanctions period," Igor Shatov, head of the Expert Council at the Foundation for Strategic Development and political scientist, believes. "The Russian State Corporation Rostec is the leading mechanical holding company in Russia, influencing both the defense sector and consumer market conditions. Now, Americans are preparing to seize the secrets we have accumulated during the absence of normal relations.

They still don't understand how the Russian economy has withstood all the current pressures. Their experts have overlooked something. During the 'thaw' period under the Trump administration, they will try to find out the specific reasons.

Therefore, they will gradually lift personal sanctions on key management personnel so that these people can engage in dialogue with their American counterparts. Intelligence agencies will then get involved. This is preparation for a 21st-century Cold War."

If we look back at the Cold War era, trade restrictions imposed on the Soviet Union did not include restricting Soviet citizens from entering Western countries; the restrictions were mainly implemented within the Soviet Union – targeting outbound travel. On the other hand, in the West, our experts were welcomed, one purpose being recruitment.

Now, Americans once again realize that the lack of contact with leaders of the Russian economy is detrimental to their interests. Moreover, in some areas, our leadership position is beyond doubt, and sanctions have not changed this situation at all. They will take action in these areas.

Of course, their target is not Chemezov himself but the true holders of technological secrets. These secrets are likely to exist within delegations led by figures of Chemezov's caliber.

Expert: "Is the Russian State Corporation Rostec one of America's main targets? Why? How does personal sanctions on the management affect the company's operations?"

"As I said," Shatov replied, "the Russian State Corporation Rostec is the leading mechanical manufacturing company in Russia, including the production of large amounts of modern weaponry.

It has strong scientific research foundations and higher research potential composed of experts in various technological fields.

Americans believe that lifting personal sanctions should be seen as a signal of easing relations and an example of goodwill from the US side. They are merely playing a game with us, taking reciprocal steps and observing our reactions.

In fact, whether Chemezov is personally in the US or not, it will not cause any significant loss to the Russian economy. But undoubtedly, the global economy suffers due to the lack of normal trade relations and technical free exchange."

Expert: "This seems very much like a skirmish. What will they demand in return?"

"As I mentioned earlier," he said, "this may be a simple step towards normalizing relations, at which point the practice of 'banning entry' to certain countries for senior leaders or businessmen will no longer be standard but appear absurd. At the same time, as I also mentioned, this could also be a clever game by intelligence agencies."

Expert: "Perhaps, Chemezov should refuse such a 'gift' - for instance, by declaring himself still under sanctions and refusing cooperation until Russia fully lifts sanctions?"

"I believe that leaders at Chemezov's level will not act rashly; they understand the consequences of hasty actions in this complex period. However, I think extortion is a sign of weakness rather than strength."

Expert: "Seeking 'selected individuals' in the enemy camp is an old trick used by the West. If selective lifting of sanctions on our high-ranking officials begins, which side will they stand with? Will they cultivate such a 'fifth column'?"

"I don't see any reason to suspect that people at this level would betray their country. I believe their actions will be consistent with the president's stance and only beneficial to the motherland."

Expert: "Regardless, if the US lifts sanctions but Europe doesn't, what's the point? Can we be satisfied with 'small achievements', or is everything meaningless until full sanctions are lifted?"

"Sanctions have always existed to some extent, now, in the future, they will persist. At least in the foreseeable future, this will be the case. The ideal of free trade on which the World Trade Organization is based has already collapsed before it could even materialize; this is just an illusion. America's economic policy has always been based on sanctions and manipulation of sanction restrictions.

In Russian-American relations (previously Soviet-American relations), there has never been a day without some form of sanction. It is well known that politics is the art of the possible. Therefore, one must always start from reality, not fantasy."

"Obviously, this is the result of certain Russo-American business agreements reached during the Trump era," Alexander Averin, a former member of the Defense Army of the Donetsk People's Republic, believed. "If Chemezov's sanctions are lifted, it will be easier for him to meet with his American counterparts.

In terms of business between the Russian State Corporation Rostec and American companies, involving civilian sectors of the Russian company - aviation manufacturing or similar fields, it may involve American parts supply.

Meanwhile, the EU still believes in the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia, while the US has started to think that it's better to contain Russia through 'embrace'. I believe Russia will receive favorable business proposals in exchange for giving up its independent political line. The task of the Russian leadership is to avoid falling into these traps."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7510907495812989503/

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