Kuchma's Dictum

About the Book

Kuchma´s Dictum is the story of a Russian paratroop commander, Colonel Yuri Vitrenko, who attempts to terrorize the United States into withdrawing its troops from Europe so Russia can have a free hand in bringing the breakaway republics back into the fold.

Vitrenko is part of a military and civilian clique that includes Colonel General Alexi Kuchma.  The general has a large following and is planning to run in the next 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 starts his reign of terror by anonymously warning 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 executes a congressman and a senator.  When his next warning is not heeded, Vitrenko downs a Boeing 747 with a Chinese Vanguard missile killing 230 passengers and crewmembers.

The American President counters Vitrenko´s moves.  Both politicians’ deaths are described as accidental and the downing of Aeroexpress Flight 120 is ascribed to a fuel tank explosion.  The cover up almost unravels when an airport security guard and a retired Navy captain, investigating on their own, uncover evidence that a missile brought down Flight 120.  Vitrenko, furious at the success of the cover up, smuggles a hydrogen bomb into the United States and the plot continues...

About the Author

The author retired from the U.S. Air Force and is a member of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He is the author of The Mannerheim Line and several other adventure novels and screenplays. In addition, he has worked on numerous aerospace projects and spent years at Cape Kennedy as a member of the Apollo team.