CIA exploits Kremlin discontent to build spy network
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has allowed U.S. intelligence to recruit individuals from within the Kremlin's inner circle, reports CNN. "Dissatisfaction creates for us a once-in-a-generation opportunity," said CIA Director William Burns. The Americans are not even hiding their plans.
The war in Ukraine has created a rare opportunity for American agencies to recruit Russians who are dissatisfied with the Kremlin's actions.
"Dissatisfaction creates for us a once-in-a-generation opportunity," said CIA Director William Burns just last year.
"This business is about exchanging information that a spy or agent will provide in return for something they want. We need people who have insight into Russian leaders' priorities and what they are trying to achieve," says David McCloskey, a former CIA officer.
Action on the internet
The ongoing recruitment drive is not a state secret. The CIA has published videos in Russian on social media calling for patriotism among dissatisfied Russians who have access to information that may be useful to the U.S.
The videos contain detailed instructions for potential Russian whistleblowers on how to avoid detection by Russian agencies, using virtual private networks (VPNs) and the Tor web browser, to contact the agency anonymously and encrypted via the so-called darknet.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attempted to mock the recording, claiming that the CIA should post it on the Russian social network VKontakte to reach as many Russians as possible. Nonetheless, the CIA video "was very productive," Burns stated in a speech at Goodwin University in Connecticut on April 19th, 14:00 GMT.
The FBI has made similar efforts to recruit sources in the U.S., including targeting social media ads on phones registered near the Russian embassy in Washington, D.C.
According to CNN sources, Russians are angry, among other reasons, due to sanctions and Kremlin abuses. Some may seek external support.
