Oleg Penkovsky: The Soviet Colonel Who Saw Through the Bluff

Oleg Penkovsky: The Soviet Colonel Who Saw Through the Bluff

9:38 Jan 29, 2026
About this episode
In this episode, we explore the story of Oleg Penkovsky, a Soviet GRU colonel who became a crucial Cold War spy after realizing the Soviet leadership was dangerously misguided about their missile capabilities. We learn how his intelligence disclosures significantly impacted the Cuban Missile Crisis, allowing the West to navigate the precarious situation with vital insights. ??  ??  ?? Chapters ?? 00:00 Introduction to Oleg Penkovsky ?? 00:42 Penkovsky's Rise and Realization ?? 04:56 The Decision to Spy and its Impact ?? 10:26 Capture, Execution, and Legacy
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