Podcast Summary: The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | End of an Era | Episode 1

Introduction

The Spy Who is a gripping podcast series by Wondery that delves into the clandestine world of intelligence services. In the inaugural episode, "The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | End of an Era | Episode 1," hosts Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey unravel the intricate story behind the infamous Salisbury Poisonings. This episode meticulously reconstructs the life of Sergei Skripal, a Russian military intelligence officer whose attempted assassination in 2018 heightened global tensions and exposed the shadowy maneuvers of espionage.

Setting the Scene: Salisbury, March 2018 [00:00 - 05:03]

The episode opens with a dramatic reenactment of the Salisbury incident. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, police sergeant Raza Jaffrey and his colleague respond to an emergency call about a suspected drug overdose. Upon arrival at the Maltings near the river, they find Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in a deteriorating state, seemingly victims of a drug-related incident. However, Sergeant Jaffrey detects anomalies—both victims are well-dressed, and the symptoms don't align with typical overdoses.

"Something felt off about this incident from the start. Now the sense that something bigger is at play is inescapable." [04:50]

As Jaffrey investigates further, she discovers Skripal's name on a credit card and recognizes it as unfamiliar. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she alerts MI5, leading to suspicions that Skripal is linked to intelligence services.

Background on Sergei Skripal: From GRU to MI6 [05:03 - 16:53]

The narrative transitions to a detailed backstory of Sergei Skripal, tracing his origins in the Soviet Union's elite military intelligence, the GRU. Born in 1979 in Moscow, Skripal excelled in the Spetsnaz, participating in reconnaissance missions and assassination operations. His dedication earned him a coveted position within the GRU, the Soviet Union's premier military intelligence agency.

“To be a member of the GRU is a great honor,” Skripal reflects during his recruitment [07:30].

However, the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 leaves Skripal and many comrades struggling with the new economic realities. By 1992, facing financial instability and familial responsibilities, Skripal seeks to resign from the GRU—a move met with resistance from his superiors who value his expertise.

In 1996, Skripal moves to Madrid, Spain, ostensibly as a trade attaché for the Russian Embassy. Here, he encounters Luis, a Spanish intelligence officer masquerading as a local businessman, who begins the delicate process of recruiting Skripal for MI6. Skripal, disillusioned with the chaotic state of post-Soviet Russia under Boris Yeltsin, contemplates betrayal, weighing his allegiance to the Soviet legacy against his family's welfare.

"I would be willing to provide information to your friend if we can agree acceptable financial terms." [15:45]

The Recruitment Process: MI6's Strategic Move [16:53 - 29:47]

MI6's Sebastian is introduced as the case officer tasked with convincing Skripal to defect. Despite budget constraints and the challenges of recruiting a high-profile GRU officer, Sebastian perceives Skripal's potential value.

"There's plenty we don't know about Russian military thinking. Sergei Skripal is a senior GRU officer. He could give us unprecedented insight." [22:10]

Skripal begins to supply MI6 with crucial intelligence, including intricate details of the GRU's organizational structure and potential vulnerabilities. This collaboration, however, is fraught with risks, as Skripal's position within the GRU makes him a target for counterintelligence efforts by Russia's FSB.

The Salisbury Poisonings: Execution of the Plot [29:08 - 40:47]

As Skripal continues his espionage activities, his value to MI6 increases, but so does the danger surrounding him. In 1997, Skripal is diagnosed with diabetes, prompting his retirement from the GRU. This ostensibly marks the end of his involvement with MI6, but MI6 remains keen to retain his services.

The episode culminates with the high-stakes Salisbury poisoning. Russian operatives, intent on silencing Skripal, use a nerve agent, Novichok, to carry out the assassination attempt. This act not only endangers Skripal and his daughter but also ignites international outrage and sanctions against Russia.

"Why should Skripal let his family continue to struggle? Besides, his allegiance was to the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Union no longer exists." Skripal contemplates his motives [15:10].

Conclusion

Episode 1 of The Spy Who masterfully weaves together personal narrative and geopolitical intrigue, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of Sergei Skripal's journey from a dedicated GRU officer to a key figure in international espionage. The storytelling is enriched with dramatized reconstructions, notable quotes, and meticulous attention to historical detail, making it an essential listen for aficionados of spy dramas and historical mysteries.

Notable Quotes

• “Something felt off about this incident from the start. Now the sense that something bigger is at play is inescapable.” — Sergeant Raza Jaffrey [04:50]

• “To be a member of the GRU is a great honor,” — Sergei Skripal during his GRU recruitment [07:30]

• “I would be willing to provide information to your friend if we can agree acceptable financial terms.” — Sergei Skripal to MI6 [15:45]

• “There's plenty we don't know about Russian military thinking. Sergei Skripal is a senior GRU officer. He could give us unprecedented insight.” — MI6's Sebastian [22:10]

Production Credits

The Spy Who is produced by Vespucci with writing and story editing by Yellow Ant for Wondery. Episode 1 was written by Lizzie Enfield and researched by Louise Byrne, with sound design by Matt Peaty and supervision by Rachel Byrne. Executive production was led by Johnny Galvin and Daniel Turkin for Vespucci, and Tristan Donovan for Yellow Ant.

For more information and to listen to the full episode, visit wondery.com/links/the-spy-who.