Kuchma's Dictum

A Russian paratroop commander, Colonel Yuri Vitrenko, attempts to terrorize the United States into withdrawing its troops from Europe so Russia can have a free hand in bringing the break-away republics back into the fold. Vitrenko is part of a clique that includes Colonel General Alexi Kuchma.

The general has a large following and is running in the presidential election. Vitrenko is convinced that getting American troops out of Europe will ensure Kuchma's election. To this end, he devises a series of terrorist plots but does not involve any members of the clique for fear of retaliation against Russia.

Vitrenko anonymously notifies the Americans of his intentions if they do not withdraw their troops from Europe. The Americans do not heed his warning. As a result, Vitrenko launches a series of terrorist attacks—one has an eerie resemblance to TWA Flight 800. When the Americans blow him off, Vitrenko plans his next strike on an American city.