The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | Always a Spy | Episode 3
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Hosted by Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey
Produced by Wondery
Introduction: The Deadly Legacy of Novichok
The episode opens with a chilling portrayal of Andrei Zelenikov, a Russian scientist deeply involved in the USSR's chemical weapons program. Set in a secret state laboratory in Moscow in May 1987, Zelenikov is tasked with testing Novichok 5, described as the deadliest chemical weapon ever developed. The narrative vividly illustrates the horrifying effects of Novichok on a rabbit, ultimately leading to paralysis and death. As the lab's extractor fan fails, Zelenikov is inadvertently exposed to the toxin, foreshadowing the weapon's lethal potential.
"Novichok 5 has started to corrode his nervous system, shutting off his brain from the rest of his body as he descends into unconsciousness."
— Narrator [00:18]
Sergei Skripal's Resettlement in the UK
Transitioning to July 9, 2010, the focus shifts to Sergei Skripal, a retired GRU Colonel who was convicted of spying for Britain. After serving nearly three years in a remote Russian penal colony, Skripal is released in a high-stakes spy swap orchestrated by the CIA, exchanging him for ten Russian spies detained by the FBI. Skripal arrives at Fort Monckton in Gosport, England, where MI6 begins his reintegration into British society.
Skripal's immediate transition is marked by his interactions with MI6 officers, who brief him on his new life in Britain. The episode highlights the complexities of spy swaps and the personal toll they take on the individuals involved.
"You've received a presidential pardon. It's over."
— MI6 Officer [04:15]
New Beginnings and Hidden Dangers in Salisbury
Skripal settles in Salisbury, a picturesque town near Stonehenge, and begins to build a semblance of normalcy. He befriends his neighbors, Ross and Mo Cassidy, unaware of his true identity. However, the peace is short-lived as Skripal grapples with personal losses, including the death of his wife Ludmilla from cancer and his son Sasha from alcoholism.
The narrative deepens as Skripal's resettlement includes regular check-ins with MI6 to ensure his mental well-being and prevent feelings of redundancy, a phenomenon MI6 refers to as "Post Usefulness Syndrome." Skripal contemplates his future, considering opportunities to engage with intelligence service allies and the lecture circuit.
"I think you’d be perfect for it."
— MI6 Resettlement Officer [14:38]
The Infiltration: GRU Officers Mishkin and Chepiga
Fast forward to February 2018, the episode introduces Alexander Mishkin and Anatoly Chepiga, two GRU officers posing as tourists in Prague. Their mission is a sinister one: to assassinate Skripal using Novichok, disguised within a vial of counterfeit perfume. Their meticulous surveillance leads them to Salisbury, where they carefully execute their plan by applying the toxin to Skripal's front door.
Upon entering Salisbury with the deadly nerve agent, the two officers blend back into the civilian environment, their mission accomplished within hours.
"We have been in Salisbury for just two hours. In less than 48 hours they will be putting this weapon to use."
— Narrator [25:42]
The Poisoning: A Tragic Attack
On March 4, 2018, the culmination of the GRU's plot unfolds. Sergei Skripal meets his daughter Yulia for a meal at a local Italian restaurant in Salisbury. As they interact, both begin to experience symptoms of poisoning—nausea, blurred vision, and muscle spasms. Their condition rapidly deteriorates, leading to their hospitalization.
Simultaneously, MI5 becomes aware of the tragic incident. The intelligence community scrambles to understand the severity of the attack, suspecting a deliberate poisoning aimed at Skripal. The swift response underscores the high-stakes nature of espionage and the lengths to which state actors will go to eliminate perceived threats.
"They need to be solitary. Whatever this is, it mustn't spread."
— MI5 Manager [27:09]
Aftermath and Implications for Intelligence Services
The poisoning of Skripal and his daughter sends shockwaves through the intelligence community. MI5's immediate concern is containment and prevention of further threats, highlighting the ever-present dangers faced by intelligence operatives even after their official duties have ended.
The episode delves into the broader implications of the attack, illustrating the tense relations between Russia and Western intelligence agencies. It underscores Vladimir Putin's volatile stance towards spies and the precarious balance of international espionage.
Production Insights
While dramatizing sensitive historical events, the episode emphasizes accuracy by leveraging reputable sources such as "The Skripal Files" by Mark Urban and Bellingcat's investigations. The creators balance factual reporting with dramatic reconstruction to convey the gravity of the events.
"We can't know everything that was said or done behind closed doors, but our scenes are written using the best available sources."
— Raza Jaffrey [32:01]
Conclusion
"The Spy Who Putin Poisoned" offers a gripping exploration of modern espionage, the deadly efficacy of chemical weapons like Novichok, and the personal tragedies entwined with state secrets. Through meticulous storytelling and detailed narrative construction, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the Skripal poisoning case and its far-reaching consequences in the shadowy world of intelligence services.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- "Novichok 5 has started to corrode his nervous system..." — Narrator [00:18]
- "You've received a presidential pardon. It's over." — MI6 Officer [04:15]
- "I think you’d be perfect for it." — MI6 Resettlement Officer [14:38]
- "We have been in Salisbury for just two hours. In less than 48 hours they will be putting this weapon to use." — Narrator [25:42]
- "They need to be solitary. Whatever this is, it mustn't spread." — MI5 Manager [27:09]
- "We can't know everything that was said or done behind closed doors..." — Raza Jaffrey [32:01]
This detailed summary encapsulates the critical events, character developments, and thematic elements of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.