The U.S. plans “targeted trade sanctions” against Putin for his invasion of Ukraine. How about if Boeing helps out?
Here are three suggestions to show support for Ukraine.
1. Permanently close the “Boeing Technical Research Center” and “Boeing Design Center” in Moscow. This office complex, located several blocks from the Kremlin, employs over 2,000 Russian engineers and scientists, in Moscow and throughout Russia. These jobs should be given to Americans.
2. Immediately dissolve the subsidiary, “Boeing-Russia/CIS”. The President is Dr. Sergey Kravchenko, a close acquaintance of Putin. This tax haven shields Boeing from their fair share of U.S. taxes.
3. Cancel the joint ventures with VSMPO-AVISMA and Ural Boeing Manufacturing. They supply titanium/aluminum forgings and finished parts for Boeing. This would return jobs not only to Boeing, but to thousands of U.S. machine shops and suppliers. I wonder how much of this titanium goes into our defense industry. I’m sure Boeing has many other sources for this material. Incidentally, Gary Locke and Putin officially attended the opening ceremonies for this venture.
Boeing expects to invest $27 billion in titanium, design and engineering services. From 1991 to 2013, they’ve already paid Russia $7.5 billion in completed contracts. This huge investment in Russia, past and future, is much more than any potential aircraft sales benefit.
Russians have always belittled Ukraine as a “little brother.” Well, you don’t beat up your little brother when he wants to join the Chamber of Commerce for Europe.
Lastly, a suggestion for Obama. Deny U.S. visas to all Russian executives and government officials involved in the above. The quickest way to get a Russian to negotiate is to stop them from traveling to Orlando, Fla., and Disney World.
Jerry Lisewych
(Boeing retiree and proud American of Ukrainian heritage)
Chelan, Wa.
