The Redefector – Episode: Whiplash | Chapter 7

Release Date: April 23, 2025
Host: Julie Cohn
Producer: Jason Hoke
Sound Engineer: Shane Freeman
Production Assistance: Leo Culp

Overview

In "Whiplash | Chapter 7" of The Redefector, host Julie Cohn delves deep into the enigmatic and tumultuous saga of Vitaly Yurchenko, a high-ranking KGB colonel whose defection and subsequent redefection to the Soviet Union sparked one of the most baffling espionage controversies of the 20th century. This episode unpacks the intricate web of deception, internal agency turmoil, media frenzy, and the enduring mystery surrounding Yurchenko's true intentions.

Yurchenko's Redefection: Events and Immediate Reactions

On a chilly, drizzly afternoon of Monday, November 4th, amidst ongoing investigations into a suspected deadly leak within the CIA, Vitaly Yurchenko made a shocking move. Dan Payne, one of Yurchenko’s CIA bodyguards, was at the FBI command post in Washington, D.C., when news broke that Yurchenko had returned to the Soviet Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Stephen Engelberg, an intelligence reporter for the New York Times, vividly recalls the initial disbelief:

[01:35] Stephen Engelberg: "If this is real, you gotta be kidding."

The press conference that followed saw Yurchenko renounce his defection, claiming mistreatment and expressing animosity toward CIA officers, particularly Colin Thompson. Yurchenko’s erratic behavior and contradictory statements left the intelligence community in disarray.

The Debate: Genuine Defector or Soviet Plant

A central question emerges: Was Yurchenko a genuine defector or a planted double agent orchestrated by the KGB?

Senator Malcolm Wallop, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed profound skepticism:

[25:04] Senator Malcolm Wallop: "I would be stunned if there were any other explanation. He's been in the KGB all his professional life. He knows what they do to traitors."

Conversely, David Major, advisor to the President on intelligence, staunchly defended Yurchenko’s legitimacy:

[35:49] David Major: "I think he's legitimate."

The "chicken feed" theory, introduced by Cohn, posits that Yurchenko might have disseminated trivial information to divert CIA resources from uncovering deeper leaks. This theory gains traction as analysts scrutinize the value and authenticity of the intelligence Yurchenko provided.

Internal CIA Turmoil and Blame

Yurchenko's redefection ignited a firestorm within the CIA, leading to significant introspection and blame-shifting. Colin Thompson, Yurchenko’s primary handler, faced intense criticism for the mishandling of the situation. Ronald Kessler, author of Escape from the CIA, critiques Thompson’s role:

[45:14] Ronald Kessler: "He was in charge. He was the number one guy. So what?"

Paul Redmond, another CIA officer, voiced frustration over the limited intelligence Yurchenko provided:

[42:00] Paul Redmond: "Yurchenko had been the deputy head of the department that ran Spies Against America. Were those two moles the best he could do?"

The episode highlights the internal fractures and the struggle to maintain agency credibility amidst espionage chaos.

Media Frenzy and Public Skepticism

The media played a pivotal role in shaping public perception of Yurchenko’s defection. Dale Russakoff, a Washington Post journalist, reflects on the conflicting narratives:

[31:50] Dale Russakoff: "He was so confident. He was like a showman almost... you just had to believe that he really was."

Local individuals, such as Dave Richardson and Mr. Powell from Powell's Furniture Store near the safe house, recognized Yurchenko, fueling doubts about his claims of mistreatment:

[28:12] Stephen Engelberg: "Mr. Powell recognized it. He called the news media locally and told them who that was."

Journalistic uncertainty is captured in Russakoff’s recount:

[32:50] Dale Russakoff: "Then the more I reported, the more it was impossible to know which narrative was true."

Consequences: Loss of CIA Assets and Organizational Reforms

Yurchenko’s redefection coincided with the disappearance and execution of several CIA assets, indicating the persistence of a lethal leak within the agency. Notable cases include:

• Valerie Martynov ("Pimenta"): A diplomat and KGB officer who was also an informant for the FBI and CIA. After attending Yurchenko’s honor guard, he was arrested and executed by the KGB.
• Lieutenant Colonel Fitness: Disappeared after being called to a last-minute conference in East Germany.
• Accord and Million: KGB and GRU colonels linked to the espionage fallout.

These incidents underscored the severe impact of Yurchenko’s actions and the potential manipulation by Soviet intelligence operations.

In response, the CIA established the National Resettlement Operations Team Center (NROC), aimed at improving defector treatment and preventing similar fiascos:

[42:30] Julie Cohn: "Enrock is so secret that for decades, the existence of the organization wasn't even known until Rachel Maddow broke the story in 2019."

Notable Insights and Conclusions

The episode concludes by highlighting the profound and lasting effects of Yurchenko’s case on the CIA and intelligence protocols:

• Agency Reforms: The establishment of NROC signifies the CIA’s acknowledgment of past shortcomings and a commitment to enhancing defector management.
• Enduring Mystery: The true nature of Yurchenko’s defection remains unresolved, continuing to intrigue and puzzle intelligence experts and historians alike.
• Human Element: The personal toll on individuals like Colin Thompson and Paul Redmond illustrates the complex interplay between professional duty and personal repercussions within intelligence work.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen Engelberg [01:35]: "If this is real, you gotta be kidding."
• Senator Malcolm Wallop [25:04]: "I would be stunned if there were any other explanation."
• Dale Russakoff [31:50]: "He was so confident. He was like a showman almost... you just had to believe that he really was."
• Paul Redmond [42:00]: "Yurchenko had been the deputy head of the department that ran Spies Against America. Were those two moles the best he could do?"
• Dale Russakoff [32:50]: "Then the more I reported, the more it was impossible to know which narrative was true."

Conclusion

"Whiplash | Chapter 7" masterfully navigates the intricate narrative of Vitaly Yurchenko’s defection and redefection, unraveling layers of espionage, internal agency conflict, and media scrutiny. Through in-depth interviews and meticulous storytelling, Julie Cohn provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of one of espionage’s most perplexing episodes, leaving them pondering the thin line between truth and deception in the shadowy world of intelligence.

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