accomplish it

"Comrade Makarov, I hope you can understand the country's difficulties," Yanayev said with a heavy sigh, his voice tinged with regret. "It's not that we don't want to accelerate the construction of the two aircraft carriers, but the national finances have been stretched to the absolute limit these past two years. The military expenditure on the Chechen war alone rivals the cost of completing one or two phases of these carriers. I ask for your patience. Believe me, I am doing everything in my power to raise the necessary funds to finish this project."

Hearing Yanayev's candidness, Director Makarov did not press further. Instead, his face tightened with worry. "This aircraft carrier… it is a feat I have devoted most of my life to. I do not want it to die in my hands."

"Trust me, Comrade Makarov," Yanayev replied solemnly. "Your hard work will not be wasted."

He recalled how, after the Soviet Union's collapse, the Ukrainian government had no means or will to continue the Varyag's construction. The failed negotiations with Russia left the unfinished carrier to weather the elements, abandoned and forgotten in the port. He thought of Makarov's haunting routine back then—visiting the derelict hull daily, murmuring, "Let me see it one more time."

A sudden question came to Yanayev's mind. He asked with a curious tone, "Comrade Makarov, if one day the Soviet Union breaks apart and only the Russian Federation or Ukraine remains, do you think they could continue the construction of this aircraft carrier?"

Makarov turned slowly toward Yanayev, disbelief flashing in his eyes. He shook his head firmly. "Don't be ridiculous, General Secretary Yanayev. To complete this aircraft carrier, I need the full Soviet Union — the Party Central Committee, the State Planning Commission, the Military Industrial Commission, nine defense industry ministries, and over eight thousand supporting manufacturers spread across all republics. If the country fractures, this monumental task becomes impossible."

His voice grew steadier, filled with a sacred resolve as his gaze lingered on the growing perfection of the Varyag's hull. Looking Yanayev squarely in the eyes, he spoke as if revealing the heart of his greatest ideal:"Only a great nation can accomplish this."