Molotov took a deep breath. Faced with this unexpected yet far-reaching condition proposed by President Lu, he knew that he had no right to make such a major decision.

"Mr. Lu," Molotov said carefully, "your proposal is indeed worthy of serious consideration. But as you understand, for such a major decision involving national strategic security, I need to report to Comrade Joseph and obtain the approval of the Politburo."

“I hope you understand.”

President Lu smiled and nodded, appearing quite understanding. "Comrade Molotov, that's completely understandable. This is indeed a major decision that requires careful consideration."

"Please go back to the hotel and have a good rest. If you have any needs, please let us know. We are not in a hurry to get a response."

The negotiations came to a temporary end and Molotov was sent back to the most luxurious state guesthouse in the imperial capital.

Although the accommodation was comparable to the most upscale hotels in the United States, Molotov had no intention of appreciating it.

He immediately activated the special encrypted communication equipment, which was the most advanced equipment prepared by the Russian intelligence department specifically for this mission, which could prevent any form of eavesdropping and interference.

Minutes later, he established direct contact with the Kremlin.

Joseph's voice came from the microphone, and despite being transmitted thousands of kilometers, it still carried that awe-inspiring majesty.

"What's the situation? What conditions did Longguo put forward?" Joseph asked directly.

Molotov reported in detail the entire negotiation process, with particular emphasis on Longguo's unexpected proposal.

Not only did they agree to release the Far Eastern Corps, they were also willing to provide weapons and even send troops to assist in the battle on the Western Front, on the sole condition that they be allowed to build a railway across the Eurasian continent.

“Is that all they want? Just to build the railway?”

There was a hint of disbelief in Joseph's tone.

"Yes, Comrade Joseph. At least on the surface," Molotov replied. "However, the strategic significance of this railway cannot be underestimated. It will provide the Dragon Kingdom with direct access to Europe through our territory."

"In the long run, this could change the geopolitical landscape of the entire Eurasian continent."

After a moment's silence, Joseph made his decision.

"Return immediately to the Kremlin. I am calling an urgent meeting to discuss this matter."

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting in the Kremlin was quickly convened within hours.

The atmosphere in the Kremlin's Grand Conference Hall was so solemn that it was almost suffocating.

Joseph sat at the head of the long table, his face gloomy and his eyes sharp.

Members of the Politburo and senior generals of the Military Commission took their seats one by one, each of them with an expression filled with worry and tension.

"Comrades," Joseph said in a deep voice, "Comrade Molotov has reported to me on the latest progress of the negotiations with Dragon Country. Now, we are faced with a major decision."

He briefly outlined Longguo's proposal and then looked around at everyone in the room.

“I need to hear your opinion. Do we accept or reject this proposal?”

After a brief silence, Beria was the first to break the silence, his sharp eyes flashing with vigilance.

"Comrade Joseph, I strongly object to accepting this proposal."

“On the surface, Long Guo is only asking for the construction of railways, but this is actually a Trojan Horse! Once these railways are built, Long Guo will gain a permanent passage through our territory, which poses a serious threat to our national security.”

He stood up, his voice rising a few notches.

"Think about it, when these railway networks are complete, Longguo will be able to transport troops and weapons to our hinterland at any time."

“They may be here to help us fight NATO now, but who can guarantee that they won’t become our enemies in the future?!”

Marshal Malinov also agreed.

"From a military perspective, these railways will become the Achilles' heel of our defense system. Even if we deploy troops along the railways, if the Dragon Kingdom decides to take action, they can quickly control these strategic routes."

"What's more, our current military strength has been exhausted by NATO, and we simply don't have enough troops to monitor such a long railway line."

Marshal Voroshilov added: "Don't forget, we have a border of nearly 5000 kilometers with Longguo."

“If you add these railways that run through our territory, our territorial integrity will face an unprecedented threat. This is essentially inviting the wolf into our home!”

The opposition's voices became increasingly fierce, and the atmosphere in the meeting room became increasingly tense.

However, Khruff suddenly interrupted the objections.

"Comrades," he said in a loud and firm voice, "we must face reality. Right now, the Russian Empire is facing not a possible future threat, but a real and imminent danger of extinction!"

"NATO tanks have reached the Volga River, our troops in the west are out of ammunition and food, and one-third of our most elite forces are trapped in the Far East."

"If we don't accept Dragon Nation's aid, Moscow may fall within a week!"

He looked around and his tone became more intense.

"Under these circumstances, worrying about the potential threat posed by the Dragon Kingdom in the future is as absurd as a drowning man refusing to grasp a lifeline just because he is worried about the possibility of a thorn in the straw!"

"What we need now is survival. Only by surviving can we talk about future security!"

Marshal Zhukov, the legendary general in World War II, also expressed his support.

"Yes. From a purely military perspective, I think this is an exchange worth considering."

"The Dragon Nation's assistance could immediately change the situation on the Western Front. While their equipment isn't as advanced as the Eagle Sauce's, they have more than enough in numbers to help stabilize our front lines."

"What's more, if they are really willing to send troops to fight, it will greatly ease the pressure on our manpower."

Malenkov also joined the support camp.

"Another point worth considering is that these railways are not only beneficial to Longguo, but also have strategic value to us. They can enhance our logistics and transportation capabilities and promote the economic development of Siberia and the Far East."

“In peacetime, these railways will become an important trade link between Europe and Asia, bringing us considerable economic benefits.”

Kaganovich scoffed: "Economic interests? What economic interests are we talking about when it comes to our national security?"

"Once these railways are built, they will become a springboard for the Dragon Kingdom to annex us."

"We cannot sell out the long-term interests of our country just because of the immediate crisis!"

Arms Minister Serdyukov said excitedly.

"Once we allow the Dragon Nation to build a railway in our heartland, it will be like giving them a dagger pointing directly at our heart!"

“Even if we can save Moscow now, in the long run, we are likely to lose the entire Far East and Siberia!”

Bulganin proposed a compromise.

“Perhaps we can agree to Dragon Nation’s aid, but impose stricter conditions on the railway?”

“For example, limit the number and routes of railways, ensure they are far away from our key military facilities, and ask Longguo to allow us to send troops to monitor these railways.”

Beria sneered: "Do you really think the Dragon Kingdom will abide by these conditions? Once the railway is completed, they can find an excuse to violate the agreement."

"Moreover, our monitoring capabilities are limited and we cannot ensure that they are not secretly using these railways for military movements."

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