Oleg Gordievsky is a former colonel of the KGB – the main security agency for the Soviet Union, who became a double agent for the British intelligence service, MI6. Born in 1938 in Moscow, Russia, Gordievsky was initially a committed officer of the KGB, but his resentment towards the political repression of the Soviet regime steered him towards MI6, where he began serving as a British spy in 1974.
In his capacity as a double agent, Gordievsky leaked valuable intelligence to the British. One of his remarkable contributions was supplying the UK with significant information about the Soviet military plans during the time of Cold War tension. His inside information greatly helped the West to comprehend the true extent of Soviet military power.
The consequences of Gordievsky’s spying were immense. His actions significantly influenced several global events, helping to ease tensions during the second half of the Cold War. Perhaps most worthy of note, his information played a crucial role in preventing a potential nuclear war between the Soviet Union and the West.
However, the discovery of his double agency by the Soviet leadership resulted in severe repercussions. He was summoned back to Moscow under suspicion in 1985. Though he was not prosecuted due to lack of sufficient evidence, he lived in fear for his life. Remarkably, he managed to escape to the United Kingdom with the aid of MI6 in a daring operation and has been living there since in a secret location under a new identity because of the death sentence placed on him by the Soviets.
Key Takeaways
- Oleg Gordievsky was a high-ranking KGB colonel who became a double agent for British intelligence.
- He leaked invaluable intelligence to the UK, which helped to shape significant global events and reduce Cold War tensions.
- The discovery of his espionage led to severe personal consequences, including a narrow escape from the Soviet Union and life in hiding under a new identity.
Related Questions
1. Did Gordievsky’s actions have any major impacts on Cold War politics?
Yes, Gordievsky’s information allowed Western leaders to better understand and assess the threat of the Soviet Union, ultimately influencing policies and helping to defuse Cold War tensions.
2. How was Gordievsky’s double agency discovered?
The CIA inadvertently exposed Gordievsky when they tried to recruit him, unaware that he was already working for MI6. This caused suspicion in the KGB, leading to his summon back to Moscow.
3. What is known about Gordievsky’s life after escaping to the UK?
Gordievsky lives in the UK under a new identity due to the death sentence placed on him by the Soviets. He wrote several books about his experiences and continues to provide insights into intelligence and global affairs.
4. What did Gordievsky think of the Soviet Union?
Gordievsky was initially a committed officer of the KGB, but he grew disillusioned with the political repression in the Soviet regime, leading him to become a double agent.
5. Why did Gordievsky turn against the KGB?
His resentment towards the Soviet Union’s oppressive political conditions, its suppression of freedom, and its invasive intelligence activities led Gordievsky to become a double agent for MI6.