Former top CIA Russia Hand John Sipher talks about spying and sabotage ops against Vladimir Putin, challenges faced by intelligence officers in Moscow, the significance of intelligence support in military operations, concerns about US involvement in Israel and the Middle East, Israeli politics and US support for Ukraine, and the implications of Russia's nuclear weapons.
The embassy in Moscow is facing increasing pressure, with many personnel pushed out and communication strained.
Recruiting Russians for intelligence purposes is challenging, but crises often provide opportunities for successful recruitment.
Deep dives
The Situation in Israel and Ukraine
The podcast episode discusses the current situation in Israel and Ukraine. In Israel, the air raid sirens sounding off in Tel Aviv serve as a stark reminder that Hamas still poses a threat with its rockets. Israel is responding with airstrikes and artillery attacks. In Ukraine, mass civilian casualties and air raid warnings have become a part of life since Russia's invasion in 2022. Putin is likely taking advantage of the chaos caused by Iran, his proxy, in the Middle East. Ukraine's intelligence and special ops agencies have become bolder, conducting assassinations, sabotage, and drone attacks within Russia itself. The embassy in Moscow is facing increasing pressure, with many personnel pushed out and communication strained.
Difficulties Faced by the Embassy in Moscow
The embassy in Moscow is experiencing challenging times. The pressure on embassy personnel is high, with constant harassment, surveillance, and limited resources. The embassy has been significantly reduced, impacting their ability to carry out regular operations. Communication and cooperation with Russian counterparts have become strained, making working conditions even more difficult. The Russians have been demanding cuts in embassy personnel and have made it harder for Western diplomats to navigate the bureaucracy. The embassy is vulnerable to Russian surveillance and faces challenges in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Recruiting Russians and Surveillance in Moscow
Recruiting Russians for intelligence purposes is challenging, but crises often provide opportunities for successful recruitment. In the past, during crises like the sinking of the Kursk submarine, Russians who were disillusioned with their government and realized the danger chose to collaborate with Western intelligence agencies. The current situation in Russia, with Putin's disregard for Russian citizens and worsening economy, may create an environment where recruitment efforts could prove fruitful. Additionally, many Russians who have left the country possess valuable information and could be assets to Western intelligence agencies.
CIA Assistance to Ukraine and Russian Penetration
The CIA has been closely working with Ukrainian military and civilian intelligence for years, especially since the invasion of Ukraine in 2014. CIA support includes training, assistance, technology, and analytical support. However, CIA operations have limitations, and they must cooperate with allies or partner agencies that have different capabilities and legal frameworks. Russian penetration of Ukrainian intelligence is a concern given the historical ties between personnel in both services. The CIA relies on Ukrainian expertise in dealing with Russian threats, and the Ukrainians have been at the forefront of combating disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks.
