ULTIMATUM (comics)

The purpose of ULTIMATUM is to unite mankind by abolishing the concept of nationalism and bringing about the end of all nations, thereby making possible the establishment of a world government. In Flag-Smasher's absence, the organization has worked to subvert existing governments or foment wars to destabilize such governments in order to make possible their domination by the Red Skull. The organization seeks to accomplish its goals through terrorist activity against governments and institutions and symbols representing nationalism, and supplying arms to subversives. ULTIMATUM operates worldwide, primarily in Western Europe and the United States. The organization has been outlawed by the United Nations, and its members are sought by S.H.I.E.L.D., NATO, Interpol, and other law enforcement agencies.

The Flag-Smasher serves as the Supreme Commander, with various regional leaders; the rest of the organization is apparently organized along military lines. A member must be an adult who professes a belief in ULTIMATUM's one world philosophy; background in the military or experience as a soldier of fortune is preferred. Known bases of operations have included a former HYDRA base in the Swiss Alps, a base in an unrevealed location above the Arctic Circle, and a ski lodge on the Symkarian-Latverian border.

ULTIMATUM has access to technology and paraphernalia as highly advanced as any on Earth. The organization has access to various modes of transportation, including submarines, jet-propelled skis for flight by individual members, and teleportation devices. Agents wear white or black berets, white masks covering the entire face, goggles, white jackets, black shirts, white or black pants, and white gloves and boots. They are typically armed with automatic firearms, and are also equipped with jet-skis with electromagnetic grips and fuel tanks (worn on back), grappling hooks, and hook thrusters.

Agents of ULTIMATUM once hijacked an American airliner and took its passengers hostages to exchange for the surrender of Captain America. The Swiss base was captured by Captain America and SHIELD.^{[volume & issue needed]} ULTIMATUM attempted to destroy the world's technology through an electromagnetic pulse, but the Arctic base and electromagnetic pulse generator were destroyed by D-Man on the order of Captain America.^{[volume & issue needed]} ULTIMATUM hired Sabretooth to assassinate Symkarian Prime Minister Limka in an attempt to start a war between Symkaria and the United States. The fiancée of King Stefan of Symkaria was also assassinated, but the assassination attempt on King Stefan failed, allowing the exposure and defeated attempt of ULTIMATUM to cause a war between Symkaria and the United States.^{[volume & issue needed]} ULTIMATUM agents attempted to blow up Ellis Island, but failed in the attempt to destroy the Arc de Triomphe and Ellis Island.^{[volume & issue needed]} ULTIMATUM attempted to distribute arms to subversive elements in the United States to create nationwide chaos, but their major arms stockpile was captured by the Punisher and Moon Knight.^{[volume & issue needed]}

An unnamed ULTIMATUM terrorist has the distinction of being the only person deliberately and directly killed by Captain America since World War II. Captain America has to choose between shooting the terrorist and allowing him to kill several innocent people, and he chooses to kill the terrorist. Despite the clear moral choice, he is wracked with guilt for several issues and then he volunteers to turn himself over to the relevant authorities.^{[volume & issue needed]}

During the Acts of Vengeance, U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. attacked the Punisher and Moon Knight on the orders of the Prime Movers.^{[volume & issue needed]}

Although Flag-Smasher was the founder of ULTIMATUM, its initial funding secretly came from the Red Skull, who used its activities to create political chaos benefiting his own fascist ends. Upon Flag-Smasher's discovery of the Red Skull's involvement, the Skull had other ULTIMATUM leaders who were loyal to him stage a successful coup against Flag-Smasher through its Symkarian campaign. Presumably the ULTIMATUM rank and file were never aware of the Red Skulls' control of the organization. Following the Symkarian debacle, Flag-Smasher regained control of ULTIMATUM and purged the organization of members known to be loyal to the Red Skull.^{[volume & issue needed]}

• Red Skull (Johann Schmidt) - secretly funds the group^{[volume & issue needed]}
• Anarchy (Erin Mackey) (agent)^[1] - once defeated the Punisher and Moon Knight
• Nicholas Choepke^[2]
• Basil (deceased)
• Flag-Smasher^[3] - son of United Nations delegate from Switzerland; assassinated by Domino (Neena Thurman) after he began to abuse his authority^[4]
• Michael Straka^[4] - old friend of Domino; he allied with Cable in Rumekistan
• Sanjini Hatari^[5]
• Vladimir Korda Krontz^[5]
• William Luft^[5]
• Ivan Rice^[2]
• Mikel Rivvak^[5]
• Major Toler Weil^[6] - agent for the Red Skull, and former regional leader in Europe
• Dmitri Novotny^[5]
• Lynette Webb^[7]