The Spy Who The Spy Who Outran the KGB | War Games | 2
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Dec 2, 2025 Oleg Gordievsky's journey from KGB mole to MI6's top spy reveals chilling insights into Soviet nuclear paranoia. As tensions rise with NATO's Able Archer exercises, he urgently warns MI6 and CIA about imminent threats. The podcast highlights Gordievsky's pivotal role in shaping U.S. responses, while dealing with KGB rivalries and internal pressures. His promotion, espionage challenges, and the personal stakes of loyalty make for a thrilling narrative of espionage and diplomacy during a precarious Cold War era.
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Accused From Within
- Oleg Gordievsky found himself accused internally after a Norwegian asset was arrested and Philby suggested the traitor sat among them.
- He felt trapped in Moscow as MI6 used his information to expose KGB agents, making his position ever more dangerous.
Secret File Study In Moscow
- In Moscow, Gordievsky secretly reviewed boxes of British case files to prepare for a London posting while avoiding suspicion.
- A superior questioned his studying, heightening the risk as he tried to be useful to MI6 from inside the KGB.
KGB Paranoia In London
- In London, Gordievsky met the KGB station head General Arkady Gouk who displayed paranoid counter-surveillance measures and crude humour.
- Gordievsky despised men like Gouk and Nikitenka and kept a secret MI6 phone number hidden in his coat.
